Dictionary

Betty lamp en · NOUN

Etymology

Derives its name from German besser (“better”).

Meanings

1. (historical) A lamp consisting of a shallow lidded metal vessel with a small spout for a coarse wick, fueled by tallow, grease, or oil, usually hung by a hook and chain, and used especially in the American colonies.
   • Taking the long candlestick from the windowsill, she hurries to the betty lamp, pulls its wick out with the chain pick, and lights her candle from the bear fat flame. 1999, J G Passarella, Wither, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN, page 160:
   • You, who have more or less trouble with your rush lights, cannot fancy how luxurious it is to have one of these betty-lamps, which costs in care no more than is required to fill them with grease or oil. 1910, James Otis, Ruth of Boston:

Forms