torchbearer

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

torchbearer
    n 1: a leader in a campaign or movement

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Torchbearer \Torch"bear`er\, n.
   One whose office it is to carry a torch.
   [1913 Webster]

from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

24 Moby Thesaurus words for "torchbearer":
      Mahdi, bell cow, bell mare, bellwether, born leader,
      charismatic leader, choirmaster, choragus, conductor, coryphaeus,
      duce, file leader, forerunner, fugleman, inspired leader, leader,
      leader of men, messiah, pacemaker, pacesetter, precentor,
      ringleader, standard-bearer, symphonic conductor