Flamebearer

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who carries or holds a burning torch or symbol of fire; a figure representing the bearer of light or inspiration; someone embodying passion or fervor
2. An individual responsible for transporting a source of fire such as a torch; a symbolic character who brings illumination or motivation; one who exemplifies zeal or ardent conviction
3. One who holds or conveys a flaming object used for lighting or ceremonial purposes; a metaphor for a leader who spreads enlightenment or courage; a person characterized by intense enthusiasm or energy

Etymology: "Flamebearer" is a plain English compound: "flame" joined to "bearer," someone who carries or holds something. The "-bearer" element is an old and productive one, going back to Old English "beran," to carry, and it is found in long-established compounds such as "standard-bearer" and "torchbearer." The word is formed in the same way, so its meaning follows directly from its parts: a person who carries a flame or torch. Because it is built transparently from two ordinary words, its history is mostly a matter of when such compounds were formed rather than of any single coinage. Dictionaries record it as a noun in modern English, and its sense has been used both literally, for someone carrying a light, and figuratively, for a leader or champion of a cause. The figurative use draws on the older image of a standard-bearer leading troops into battle, which is the most useful clue to how the word has been used in writing.

Synonyms: torchbearer, fire carrier, light bearer