noun
hanging lantern at a temple or shrine
A lantern suspended from the eaves of a temple or shrine. The term is somewhat specialized and may not be widely known outside of traditional architectural or religious contexts. Compare 釣り灯籠 (tsuridōrō).
See also: 釣り灯籠
古いお寺の軒先に掻灯が下がっていた。
A hanging lantern was suspended from the eaves of the old temple.
釣り灯籠 is a more general term for a hanging lantern, while 掻灯 specifically refers to one hanging from the eaves of a temple or shrine.
Compound of 掻い (kai, continuative form of 掻く 'to scratch, paddle') + 灯 (tomo, 'light, lamp') + し (shi, nominalizer). The exact derivation is uncertain; the term may refer to a lantern that is lit and then hung up.