[tawrch] 
,| 1. | a light to be carried in the hand, consisting of some combustible substance, as resinous wood, or of twisted flax or the like soaked with tallow or other flammable substance, ignited at the upper end. |
| 2. | something considered as a source of illumination, enlightenment, guidance, etc.: the torch of learning. |
| 3. | any of various lamplike devices that produce a hot flame and are used for soldering, burning off paint, etc. |
| 4. | Slang. an arsonist. |
| 5. | Chiefly British. flashlight (def. 1). |
| 6. | to burn or flare up like a torch. |
| 7. | to subject to the flame or light of a torch, as in order to burn, sear, solder, or illuminate. |
| 8. | Slang. to set fire to maliciously, esp. in order to collect insurance. |
| 9. | carry the or a torch for, Slang. to be in love with, esp. to suffer from unrequited love for: He still carries a torch for his ex-wife. |
carry a torch for
Also, carry the torch for. Continue to feel the pain of unreciprocated love for, as in Jane has been carrying the torch for Bill for at least a year. The torch in this term alludes to the heat of love or passion. [1920s]
