E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Candle-holder.
An abettor. The reference is to the practice of holding a candle in the Catholic Church for the reader, and in ordinary life to light a workman when he requires more light.
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“I’ll be candle-holder and look on.”—Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, i. 4.
