Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AM'PE-LITE, n. [Gr. αμπελος, a vine. The name of an earth used to kill worms on vines. Pliny says it is like bitumen. Lib. 35, 16.]

Cannel coal, or candle coal; an inflammable substance of a black color, compact texture, and resinous luster, and sufficiently hard to be cut and polished. It burns with a bright flame, of a short duration, and gives but a moderate heat. It is used like jet for making toys. It is found in France and England, where husbandman smear vines with it to kill vermin. – Encyc. Cleaveland.