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to dismount from a horse, descend from a vehicle, etc.
to settle or stay after descending:
The bird alighted on the tree.
to encounter or notice something accidentally.
provided with light; lighted up.
on fire; burning.
Contemporary Examples

At the end, Fofana stabbed him repeatedly, poured flammable liquid onto him and then set him alight.
Seeking Justice for a French Hate Crime Eric Pape July 13, 2009

Mercury goes rogue again this week, causing your mind to wander and alight on the serious alterations you must make to your life.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week, June 26-July 2, 2011 Starsky + Cox June 25, 2011

His eyes were alight; his opinions in keeping with a man who had named his daughter The Human Being Is More Precious Than Gold.
Kofi Awoonor, the Ghanaian Poet Killed in Westgate Mall Attack Michael Daly September 23, 2013

In Buenos Aires they overturned cars and then set them alight.
Argentina Erupts Over Acquittal in Marita Verón Case Scott C. Johnson December 13, 2012

On the eve of the Amanda Knox appellate verdict decision, Perugia was alight with a sort of surreal buzz.
Judgment Day for Knox Barbie Latza Nadeau October 2, 2011

Historical Examples

Her eyes, which had already lost much of the dissipated look, were alight with exaltation.
The Inside of the Cup, Complete Winston Churchill

Grace’s face was alight with appreciation of Mrs. Gray’s gift.
Grace Harlowe’s Return to Overton Campus Jessie Graham Flower

He assisted me to alight, and embraced me with true affection.
The Path of Duty, and Other Stories H. S. Caswell

Nor when we alight at the Pas de Soucis are these features wanting.
The Roof of France Matilda Betham-Edwards

The person who officiates as master of ceremonies, assists the mourners to enter and alight from the carriages.
Our Deportment John H. Young

verb (intransitive) alights, alighting, alighted, alit
(usually foll by from) to step out (of) or get down (from): to alight from a taxi
to come to rest; settle; land: a thrush alighted on the wall
adjective, adverb (postpositive)
burning; on fire
illuminated; lit up
v.

“to descend, dismount,” Old English alihtan, originally “to lighten, take off, take away,” from a- “down, aside” (see a- (1)) + lihtan “get off, make light” (see light (v.)). The notion is of getting down off a horse or vehicle, thus lightening it. Of aircraft (originally balloons) from 1786. Related: Alighted; alighting.
adj.

“on fire,” early 15c., apparently from Middle English aliht, past participle of alihton (Old English on-lihtan) “to light up,” also “to shine upon” (see light (n.)).