[Tagging] Difference between lighthouses and beacons

[Andrew Davidson]

On 19/01/18 13:23, Steve Doerr wrote:
> Here's the OED definition:
> 
> 'A tower or other structure, with a powerful light or lights (originally 
> a beacon) at the top, erected at some important or dangerous point on or 
> near the sea-coast for the guidance of mariners.'

That's pretty much the majority view of the very tiny, unscientific, 
sample of people, on this list, who have attempted a definition.

However, there is an alternative view that the definition should be 
based on the availability of accommodation for people within or nearby 
and the grandeur of the structure.