Definition of: torch

(tôrch) noun
1. A source of light, as from flaming pine knots, or from some material dipped in tallow or oil, and fixed at the end of a handle or pole.
2. Anything that illuminates or brightens: the torch of science.
3. A portable device giving off an intensely hot flame and used for burning off paint, melting solder, etc.
4. Brit. A flashlight.
—to carry a (or the) torch for Slang To continue to love (someone), though the love is unrequited. [<OF torche, ult. <L torquere twist; so called because early torches were made of twisted tow dipped in pitch]