chandelier

noun5

1. •
   A branched, often ornate, light fixture suspended from a ceiling.

   • She opened the drawing-room door in trepidation. Would she find Esther drowned with her head in the goldfish bowl, or hanged from the chandelier by her stay-lace? — 1929
2. •
   One lit by candles.
3. •
   [before a noun] A fictional bidder used to increase the price at an auction.

   • A mysterious phone bidder was grabbing the pieces that no one else wanted—Mensun suspected this was the auction house "bidding against the chandelier," protecting itself against selling too low. — 2007
4. •
   An endoilluminator used in eye surgery.
5. •
   (no longer used) A portable frame used to support temporary wooden fences.

   • Chandelier. A wooden frame, whereon are laid fascines or faggots, to cover the workmen in making approaches. — 1747