A*light", a. [Pref. a- +
light.] Lighted; lighted up; in a flame. "The lamps were
alight." Dickens.
A*light" (?), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Alighted (?) sometimes Alit (?); p.
pr. & vb. n. Alighting.] [OE. alihten, fr. AS.
ālīhtan; pref. ā- (cf. Goth. us-, G.
er-, orig. meaning out) + līhtan, to alight,
orig. to render light, to remove a burden from, fr. līht,
leoht, light. See Light, v. i.]
1. To spring down, get down, or descend, as from on
horseback or from a carriage; to dismount.
2. To descend and settle, lodge, rest, or stop; as,
a flying bird alights on a tree; snow alights on a
roof.
3. To come or chance (upon). [R.]