What is "tinley"

n. (context obsolete English) A torch, made from burning straw, supposed to represent the burning of souls

Tinley is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• Cris Tinley (1830–1900), English cricketer, one of the best slow bowlers of his time
• Emmett Tinley, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, frontman for the folk/indie band The Prayer Boat
• Mark Tinley (born 1963), British guitarist, programmer, sound engineer and record producer
• Peter Tinley (born 1962), Australian soldier and politician
• Scott Tinley (born 1956), former professional triathlete and twice winner of the Hawaii Ironman endurance race