candlestick
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
The central ignition tube connecting the fuse and charge of a WWI shrapnel shell, shaped like a candle stick.
Register: slang
Examples
Inside the shrapnel shell was an iron bar with a flattened, broad nose. When the shell burst in the air this iron object fell to the ground and, since it came often from a great height, its fall was dangerous. The men called these candlesticks, which they much resembled.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “candlestick” mean?
The central ignition tube connecting the fuse and charge of a WWI shrapnel shell, shaped like a candle stick.
Is “candlestick” formal or informal?
candlestick is generally slang.