cierge

church candle, taper

noun SYAIRZH Rare

Usage Note

Cierge denotes a tall wax candle used in religious ceremonies, distinct from a domestic bougie. Brûler un cierge (to burn a candle for someone) is a common Catholic practice. Colloquially, devoir un fier cierge à quelqu'un means to owe someone a great debt of gratitude.

Examples

"Elle alluma un cierge devant la statue."

Natural Translation

She lit a candle in front of the statue.

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