English word torch comes from Proto-Indo-European *terkʷ-
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *terkʷ- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | to turn |
| torquere | Latin (lat) | |
| torques | Latin (lat) | |
| torqua | Late Latin (LL) | |
| *torca | Vulgar Latin (la-vul) | |
| torche | Old French (fro) | Bundle (of sticks, hay, etc.). Torch (stick with flame at one end). |
| torche | Middle English (enm) | |
| torch | English (en) | To set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick). (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) A portable light source powered by electricity; a flashlight.. (slang, US) An arsonist.. A stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.. Short form for blowtorch or oxy-gas torch. |