Definition of "torch" [torch]

• A portable light produced by the flame of a stick of resinous wood or of a flammable material wound about the end of a stick of wood; a flambeau. (noun)
• Chiefly British A flashlight. (noun)
• Something that serves to illuminate, enlighten, or guide. (noun)
• Slang An arsonist. (noun)
• A portable apparatus that produces a very hot flame by the combustion of gases, used in welding and construction. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It seems to me that the "torch" is being handed off to Esser, and there really is, right now, no real competition."
• "Â The question now becomes, who will pick up the torch from the interim torchbearers, and which former Global Guardian will end up on the new roster?"
• "The torch is then passed to hammy ham ham-ham Val Kilmer, who has not one iota of consistency to his performance, which exists only for him to try and out-weird Brando."