E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Corpse Candle.
The ignis fatuus is so called by the Welsh because it was supposed to forbode death, and to show the road that the corpse would take. Also a large candle used at lich wakes—i.e. watching a corpse before interment. (German leiche, a corpse.)
