time candle

English

Noun

time candle (plural time candles)

  1. A candle that burns at a uniform rate and is used to measure the passage of time.
    • 1906, H.G. Archer, “The Oldest Industry In England”, in The Wide World Magazine, An Illustrated Monthly of True Narrative, Adventure, Travel, Customs and Sport‎[1], volume 16:
      Some "knappers" still employ time-candles in lieu of clocks and watches, wherewith to reckon the working hours.
    • 1928, “How Hamilton Watch Uses The Historical Display”, in Advertising & Selling‎[2], volume 12, page 69:
      This particular use of the time candle, however, is problematic.
    • 1979, L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter, Conan the Liberator, page 108:
      In Fadius's dingy room in Messantia, Alcina sat alone, holding her obsidian amulet before her and watching the alternate black-and-white bands of the time candle.
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