Torchers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Deliberately sets something alight, usually to destroy it ; people who commit arson by starting fires on purpose
2. Sets buildings or property on fire on purpose ; individuals who deliberately ignite fires, often for profit or malice
3. Intentionally burns something down or sets it alight ; those who make a habit of starting fires with criminal intent

Etymology: "Torchers" is the plural of "torcher," a word built from "torch" and the agent suffix "-er," meaning one who carries or holds a torch. The suffix itself has a longer path than the word it sits on: it descends from Proto-Indo-European through Italic and Latin "-arius," which entered Old English as "-ere," passed through Old French "-ier," and reached Middle English as "-er." Old English "-ere" was used to form words for people doing a job, so "torcher" slots naturally into that pattern. The base word "torch" has its own history, coming to English from Old French "torche" (a twisted wisp of straw or cloth), which is why an everyday light source carries a name for something bundled and twisted. Added to "-er," the result is a plain descriptive term for the person holding the light.

Synonyms: arsonist, firebug