To set light by

Light Light, a. [Compar. {Lighter} (l[imac]t"[~e]r); superl. {Lightest}.] [OE. light, liht, AS. l[=i]ht, le['o]ht; akin to D. ligt, G. leicht, OHG. l[=i]hti, Icel. l[=e]ttr, Dan. let, Sw. l["a]tt, Goth. leihts, and perh. to L. levis (cf. {Levity}), Gr. 'elachy`s small, Skr. laghu light. [root]125.] 1. Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to be the center of gravity with force; not heavy. [1913 Webster]

These weights did not exert their natural gravity, . . . insomuch that I could not guess which was light or heavy whilst I held them in my hand. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

2. Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load. [1913 Webster]

Ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. --Matt. xi. 29, 30. [1913 Webster]

3. Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Light sufferings give us leisure to complain. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

4. Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment. [1913 Webster]

5. Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse. [1913 Webster]

6. Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift. [1913 Webster]

Unmarried men are best friends, best masters . . . but not always best subjects, for they are light to run away. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

7. Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light. [1913 Webster]

8. Slight; not important; as, a light error. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

9. Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread. [1913 Webster]

10. Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors. [1913 Webster]

11. Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind. [1913 Webster]

12. Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution. [1913 Webster]

13. Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind. [1913 Webster]

There is no greater argument of a light and inconsiderate person than profanely to scoff at religion. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]

14. Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial. [1913 Webster]

Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Specimens of New England humor laboriously light and lamentably mirthful. --Hawthorne. [1913 Webster]

15. Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy. [1913 Webster]

Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain ? --Shak. [1913 Webster]

16. Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered. [1913 Webster]

To a fair semblance doth light faith annex. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

17. Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character. [1913 Webster]

A light wife doth make a heavy husband. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

18. Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin. [1913 Webster]

19. Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil. [1913 Webster]

{Light cavalry}, {Light horse} (Mil.), light-armed soldiers mounted on strong and active horses.

{Light eater}, one who eats but little.

{Light infantry}, infantry soldiers selected and trained for rapid evolutions.

{Light of foot}. (a) Having a light step. (b) Fleet.

{Light of heart}, gay, cheerful.

{Light oil} (Chem.), the oily product, lighter than water, forming the chief part of the first distillate of coal tar, and consisting largely of benzene and toluene.

{Light sails} (Naut.), all the sails above the topsails, with, also, the studding sails and flying jib. --Dana.

{Light sleeper}, one easily wakened.

{Light weight}, a prize fighter, boxer, wrestler, or jockey, who is below a standard medium weight. Cf. {Feather weight}, under {Feather}. [Cant]

{To make light of}, to treat as of little consequence; to slight; to disregard.

{To set light by}, to undervalue; to slight; to treat as of no importance; to despise. [1913 Webster]