linkboy
/ˈlɪŋkˌbɔɪ/
noun
- A boy or man who carried a torch (link) to light the way for people walking in the streets at night, especially in past centuries.
- In old London, a linkboy would guide travelers through the dark, muddy streets.
- Linkboys were common in cities before street lamps were installed.
- The wealthy merchant hired a linkboy to light his path home from the theater.