friar's lantern

noun

1. ignis fatuus ( def 1 ).

friar's lantern

noun

1. another name for will-o'-the-wisp

Word History and Origins

Origin of friar's lantern¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

In the same connection, Milton in "L'Allegro" also mentions the "friar's lantern."

From Project Gutenberg

Napoleon sometimes rode into this valley, and one day he turned to Betsy: "Mees Betsee, have you ever seen 'Will-o'-the-Wisp' that they say lights the friar's lantern?"

From Project Gutenberg

He elsewhere calls it “the friar’s lantern.”

From Project Gutenberg

The Friar’s lantern is the ignis fatuus, or will-o’-the-wisp, fabled to lead men into dangerous marshes.

From Project Gutenberg

B. "Has Friar's lantern lighted the hypocrite's feet to the quicksands?"

From Project Gutenberg