v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Kindled p. pr. & vb. n. Kindling ] [ Icel. kyndill candle, torch; prob. fr. L. candela; cf. also Icel. kynda to kindle. Cf. Candle. ] 1. To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to ignite; to cause to begin burning; to start; to light; as, to kindle a match, or shavings. [ 1913 Webster ]

His breath kindleth coals. Job xii. 21. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: To inflame, as the passions; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action; to heat; to fire; to animate; to incite; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to kindle the flame of love, or love into a flame. [ 1913 Webster ]

So is a contentious man to kindle strife. Prov. xxvi. 21. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire. Dryden.

Syn. -- Enkindle; light; ignite; inflame; provoke; excite; arouse; stir up. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame. [ 1913 Webster ]

When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Is. xliii. 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fig.): To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated. [ 1913 Webster ]

On all occasions where forbearance might be called for, the Briton kindles, and the Christian gives way. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. & i. [ OE. kindlen, cundlen. See Kind. ] To bring forth young. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The poor beast had but lately kindled. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, kindles, stirs up, or sets on fire. “Kindlers of riot.” Gay. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Destitute of kindness; unnatural. [ Obs. ] “Kindless villain.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]