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lighter (n.1)

type of barge used in unloading, late 15c., agent noun from light (adj.1), with a sense of lightening a load, or else from or modeled on Dutch lichter, from lichten "to lighten, unload," on the same notion. They are used in loading or unloading ships that cannot approach a wharf. Related: Lighterman.

lighter (n.2)

"person who lights," 1550s, agent noun from light (v.2). From 1851 of devices or instruments to lighting gas-jets or candles (originally often a simple twist of paper rolled into a tapering tube); from 1895 of mechanical cigarette lighters.

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Definitions of lighter from WordNet
1
lighter (n.)
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire;
Synonyms: igniter / ignitor
lighter (n.)
a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals);
Synonyms: barge / flatboat / hoy
lighter (n.)
a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires;
Synonyms: light / igniter / ignitor
2
lighter (v.)
transport in a flatbottom boat;
From wordnet.princeton.edu