corpse-candle

A corpse-candle flickers over the marshy ground at dusk.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A supernatural light: In folklore, a "corpse-candle" is a flickering light or flame, often seen over graves or in churchyards, believed to be an omen of death or to mark the location of a dead body.
   • A phosphorescent glow: It can also refer to a natural phosphorescent light, such as will-o'-the-wisp, sometimes associated with decomposing organic matter.

Usage Examples

• (A supernatural light believed to foretell death.)
• (A phosphorescent light seen over a grave.)

Advanced Usage

• "to see a corpse-candle": to witness such a light, considered a bad omen.
  • The old woman claimed she saw a corpse-candle and knew someone would pass away soon. (She interpreted the light as a sign of impending death.)

Variants and Related Words

• Corpse (n): a dead body, especially of a human.
  • The police found the corpse in the abandoned house. (The dead body.)
• Candle (n): a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light.
  • She lit a candle to illuminate the dark room. (A source of light.)
• Corpse-light (n): a synonym for corpse-candle, referring to the same phenomenon.
  • The marsh was known for its eerie corpse-lights at night. (Phosphorescent lights in a swampy area.)

Synonyms

• Will-o'-the-wisp: a ghostly light seen over wet ground, often mistaken for a corpse-candle.
• Ignis fatuus: a Latin term for the same phenomenon, meaning "foolish fire."

Related Idioms

• "A corpse-candle at one's feet": an old phrase meaning death is imminent or close at hand.
  • He felt a chill, as if a corpse-candle were at his feet, warning him of his fate. (A metaphor for an approaching death omen.)