Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Torch \Torch\ (t[^o]rch), n. [OE. torche, F. torche a torch,
   rag, wisp, pad; probably from a derivative of L. torquere,
   tortum, to twist, because twisted like a rope; cf. F. torcher
   to rub, wipe, It. topcia a torch, torciare to wrap, twist,
   OF. torse a torse. Cf. {Torture}.]
   A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as
   of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp
   giving a large, flaring flame.

         They light the nuptial torch.            --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

torch
     n 1: a light carried in the hand; consists of some flammable
          substance
     2: tall-stalked very woolly mullein with densely packed yellow
        flowers; ancient Greeks and Romans dipped the stalks in
        tallow for funeral torches [syn: {common mullein}, {great
        mullein}, {Aaron's rod}, {flannel mullein}, {woolly
        mullein}, {Verbascum thapsus}]
     3: a small portable battery-powered electric lamp [syn: {flashlight}]
     4: a burner that mixes air and gas to produce a very hot flame
        [syn: {blowtorch}, {blowlamp}]

torch
     v : burn maliciously, as by arson; "The madman torched the
         barns"