The word occurs, John 18:3 : μετα φανων και λαμπαδων : "with torches and lanterns:" but both terms appear to signify torches; the former of a ruder kind than the latter, being formed of split laths bound into bundles, throwing around a strong glare of light. They came thus furnished to apprehend our Lord, lest he should escape through the darkness of the night.
Richard Watson was one of the greatest theologians the Methodist Church has ever known. His dictionary has proven to be a highly valuable resource even today.Wikipedia
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