Rushlight
/ˈrʌʃ.laɪt/noun
A simple candle made from the pith of a rush dipped in grease or tallow.
Did you know?Rushlights are a perfect example of a word built from ordinary materials: the “rush” is the plant, and the “light” is the flame, with no hidden occult root—just preindustrial ingenuity turned into everyday speech.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
risc
“A rush plant, especially one used for weaving or lighting.”
Middle English
ME
russh
“A rush plant.”
Middle English
ME
light
“A source of illumination.”
16th Century
English
rushlight
“A candle or lamp made from a rush stem soaked in grease or tallow.”
Modern English
English
rushlight
“A primitive candle made from a rush used as a wick.”