lanthorn

English

Etymology

Spelling influenced by the fact that they were sometimes made from animal horns.

Noun

lanthorn (plural lanthorns)

1. Archaic form of lantern.
   • 1764 January 20, T[obias] Smollett, “Letter XIV”, in Travels through France and Italy. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I or II), London: […] R[oberts] Baldwin, […], published 1766, →OCLC:

     On the right hand, as you enter the port, there is an elegant fanal, or lighthouse, kept in good repair: but in all the charts of this coast which I have seen, this lanthorn is laid down to the westward of the harbour; […]

   • 1944 September and October, Charles E. Lee, “An Ancient Underground Railway”, in Railway Magazine, page 275, text from early 19th century:

     Having previously obtained permission of a viewer, or some other person concerned in the colliery, a small hand lanthorn must be provided, a light being necessary for each person. It is also advisable to take a change of dress, at least of upper cloaths; strong boots to keep the feet dry, and an old hat.

   • 1946, Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan:

     Have my room prepared and the lanthorn on my bedside table.

Derived terms

• dark lanthorn
• lanthorn-fly