The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Padella \Pa*del"la\, n. [It., prop., a pan, a friing pan, fr. L.
   patella a pan.]
   A large cup or deep saucer, containing fatty matter in which
   a wick is placed, -- used for public illuminations, as at St.
   Peter's, in Rome. Called also padelle.
   [1913 Webster]