To gradually become thinner or narrower toward one end, or a thin candle used for lighting.
From Old English 'taper' meaning 'a small candle,' possibly related to Sanskrit 'tapati' meaning 'shines' or 'burns,' reflecting the candle's light.
Medieval people made candles by dipping rushes repeatedly in animal fat—these rushlights were called 'tapers,' and the word stuck even after candles evolved into the thinner shape we know today.
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