Candle snuffer

Candle snuffer

The modern meaning of candle snuffer is an instrument used to extinguish burning candles. This is accomplished by smothering the flame with a small metal cup that is suspended from a long handle. By placing the cup over the candle you restrict the amount of oxygen around the candle, thus making the flame burn out due to lack of oxygen. The use of a candle snuffer helps to avoid problems associated with blowing hot wax.

Candle snuffers are commonly used in homes and churches.

An older meaning refers to a scissor-like tool used to trim the wick of a candle. With skill, this could be done without extinguishing the flame. A small recepticle catches the trimmed bit of wick. This tools was rendered obsolete by the invention of self-snuffing wicks, which curl out of the flame when charred. This allows excess wick to burn away, preventing the wick from becoming too long. The instrument now known as a candle snuffer was formerly called an "extinguisher" or "doubter".


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • candle-snuffer — canˈdle snuffer noun A person or device that snuffs out candles (see ↑snuff2; also figurative) • • • Main Entry: ↑candle …   Useful english dictionary

  • candle snuffer — noun A device made to extinguish (to snuff out) a candle …   Wiktionary

  • candle snuffer —    Ūpā koli kukui …   English-Hawaiian dictionary

  • snuffer — [snuf′ər] n. 1. a device with a cone on the end of a handle, for extinguishing a burning candle: in full candle snuffer 2. [usually pl.] an instrument like shears, for snuffing a candle: also pair of snuffers …   English World dictionary

  • Candle — For other uses, see Candle (disambiguation). A close up image of a burning candle showing the wick and the various parts of the flame …   Wikipedia

  • snuffer — ► NOUN ▪ a small hollow metal cone on the end of a handle, used to extinguish a candle by smothering the flame …   English terms dictionary

  • snuffer — snuffer1 /snuf euhr/, n. 1. a person who snuffs or sniffs. 2. a person who takes snuff. [1600 10; SNUFF1 + ER1] snuffer2 /snuf euhr/, n. 1. candlesnuffer. 2. extinguisher (def. 3) …   Universalium

  • snuffer — n. 1 a small hollow cone with a handle used to extinguish a candle. 2 (in pl.) an implement like scissors used to extinguish a candle or trim its wick …   Useful english dictionary

  • snuffer — I. noun Date: 15th century 1. a device similar to a pair of scissors for cropping and holding the snuff of a candle usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr. 2. candlesnuffer II. noun Date: circa 1610 one that snuffs or sniffs …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • snuffer — noun a) A device made to extinguish (snuff out) a candle (candlesnuffer). b) A person who uses snuff …   Wiktionary

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