1. A long windedexplanation that really isn't very interesting. 2. Bullshit
"It's a "courting candle" and is in this weird wrought iron holder that you turned to a certain point and when the candle burns down to that point, then the date was supposed to be over or some jabooby like that. I can't remember why he had it..."
Someone or something that bites your ankles.
To a postman, an ankle biter is often known as a dog.
To an adult, an ankle biter may be a toddler.
To hikers, an ankle biter is sometimes a tick.
And so on.