A cresset is a metal cup or basket, often mounted to or suspended from a pole, containing oil, pitch, a rope steeped in rosin or something

flammable A combustible material is something that can burn (i.e., ''combust'') in air. A combustible material is flammable if it ignites easily at ambient temperatures. In other words, a combustible material ignites with some effort and a flammable mat ...

. They are burned as a light or beacon. Cressets mounted on the walls of Renaissance palaces in Italy were the first form of street lighting. The term can also refer to a

lamp Lamp, Lamps or LAMP may refer to: Lighting * Oil lamp, using an oil-based fuel source * Kerosene lamp, using kerosene as a fuel * Electric lamp, or light bulb, a replaceable component that produces light from electricity * Light fixture, or ligh ...

where the wick burns in a cup or cavity, which can be of ceramic or stone.

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Dictionary.com definition
Light fixtures Types of lamp {{Architecturalelement-stub