Obs. Apparently a contracted form of CANDLESTICK. Kit with the canstick: Jack-o’-lantern, Will o’ the wisp.
1562. J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 20. Coll vnder canstyk, she can plaie on bothe handis, Dissimulacion well she vnderstandis.
1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., VII. xv. 153. They haue so fraied vs with bull beggers, spirits, witches … kit with the cansticke, [etc.].
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., III. i. 131. I had rather heare a Brazen Canstick [1623 candlestick] turn’d Or a dry Wheele grate on the Axle-tree.
1624. Chapman, Homer’s Batrachom., 8. Their fencefull bucklers were, The middle rounds of Can’sticks. [Cowper has: The lamp contributed its central tin, A shield for each.]
1617. S. Collins, Def. Bp. Elie, A ij b. His … wodden cansticke.
