devil's candle

noun

devil's candle

noun

1

The plant mandrake, especially when used in black magic.

Deadly nightshade, henbane, hellebore and mandrakes were of evil reputation; the latter being called the "Devil's Candles," as they were supposed to shine out with baleful gleams upon dark nights.1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 157:

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