The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word CANDELABRA
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
A
N
D
E
L
A
B
R
A
More clues leading to the result CANDELABRA
- It holds light receptacle and hammered lead cups
- Carnal, with a bed prepared – romantic lighting?
- Light source about Aldebaran that dances
- Poorly balanced radioactive metal found in light fittings
- Where tapers are balanced unsteadily by artist
- Surprisingly clean ad for supporter of lamp-stands
- It’s clear a band used awfully elaborate lighting fixtures
- Let off a ballet dancer breaking lampholders
- Settings for light, balanced output by artist
- Holder of lights and cable designed by artist
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "It holds light" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it holds light = candelabra.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CANDELABRA mean?
CANDELABRA noun- A single candelabrum.
- A candle holder.