alight1
v.
- (of a bird) descend from the air and settle.
- formal descend from public transport.
-
(alight on)
chance to notice.
Etymology
OE ālīhtan, from ā- (as an intensifier) + līhtan ‘descend’ (see light3).
alight2
adv.
&
adj.
- on fire.
- shining brightly.
Etymology
ME: prob. from the phr. on a light (= lighted) fire.