devil's candle

English

Noun

devil's candle (plural devil's candles)

1. The plant mandrake, especially when used in black magic.
   • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 157:

     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.