n. A vessel, generally portable, for containing an inflammable liquid and a wick so arranged that it lifts the liquid by capillary attraction and when ignited at the end serves as a means of illumination; in recent use also, by extension, a device employed for the same purpose in which the source of illumination is ignited gas or electricity.n. Figuratively, something suggesting the light of a lamp, whether in appearance or use; anything possessing or communicating light, real or metaphorical.n. plural Same as gig-lamps. See gig-lamp, 3.n. (See also carcel-lamp, glow-lamp, jack-lamp, safety-lamp.)To furnish light to; light.To shine.To go or run quickly; scamper.n. A thin plate.n. In telephony, an auxiliary signaling-lamp placed in front of the switchboard and serving to indicate to the chief operator delay in responding to any one of a group of call-signals.n. A lamp having a spiral of platinum placed above the wick. The vapor from the alcohol (ethyl or methyl) drawn up by the wick unites with the air through the agency of the platinum, which is thus made to glow.