\Cres"set\ (kr?s"s?t), n. [OF. crasset, cresset, sort of
lamp or torch; perh. of Dutch or German origin, and akin to
E. cruse, F. creuset crucible, E. crucible.]
1. An open frame or basket of iron, filled with combustible
   material, to be burned as a beacon; an open lamp or
   firrepan carried on a pole in nocturnal processions.
         Starry lamps and blazing cressets, fed With naphtha
         and asphaltus.                        --Milton.
         As a cresset true that darts its length Of beamy
         luster from a tower of strength.      --Wordsworth.
2. (Coopering) A small furnace or iron cage to hold fire for
   charring the inside of a cask, and making the staves
   flexible. --Knight.