winding sheet

Definitions

1. A burial shroud.
2. A collection of tallow rising up against the wick of a candle, once regarded as an omen of death.
   historical

Equivalents

Examples

“He resorted to his pint of wine for consolation, drank it all in a few minutes, and fell asleep on his arms, with his hair straggling over the table, and a long winding-sheet in the candle dripping down upon him.”

CEFR level