A vessel for containing oil to be burned by means of a wick; or a light, a burning wick inserted in a vessel of oil. Hence,

Figuratively, a light of any kind. The moon is called the lamp of heaven. Thy gentle eyes send forth a quickening spirit, to feed the dying lamp of life within me. Lamp of safety, or safety lamp, a lamp for lighting coal mines, without exposing workmen to the explosion of inflammable air.