linkboy
- noun
- Archaic
:
portador de antorcha
- In the 19th century, streets in London were often illuminated by linkboys, who carried lanterns to guide pedestrians safely at night.
Examples
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Link: torches carried by "linkboys," who ran ahead of a carriage to light its way through the city streets at night.
Blog text (30) -
London would still be lighted by linkboys.
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During the evening, the linkboy expertly led the way through the dark alley with his bright torch.
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The linkboys were a common sight in the city, providing important assistance to travelers after sunset.
Synonyms
A person in old times who carries a torch to light and guide people on dark streets
A person who carries a lantern to light the way at events
A person who carries a burning stick during a ceremony
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Linkboy comes from the old English word link meaning 'a small torch' and boy, because young men were paid to carry a light for people at night. So a linkboy was literally a boy who would 'light the way' for pedestrians in dark streets.
