Lucifer

Definitions

1. A self-igniting match, i.e. one which could be lit by striking on any surface (as opposed to safety matches which only light against the material on the side of the box).
   British, archaic
2. The planet Venus as the daystar (the morning star).
   literary
3. The King of Babylon who was compared to the planet Venus in first the Wycliffe version then the King James Version of Isaiah 14:12; it is unclear whether this verse refers to a specific king or to a representation of the entire line of kings of Babylon.
4. Satan, the Devil.

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonyms: Vesper, Hesperus, evening star, Venus”

“While you’ve a lucifer to light⟳ your fag, / Smile⟳, boys, that’s the style”

“In the era of Twain and Grant cigar-smoking paraphernalia consisted mainly of a cigar cutter; the cigar itself was lit with a lucifer (safety match⟳).”

CEFR level