Definition of "sunlights"

This genial melting of prejudices under the soft sunlights falling upon the hearts of the circle, was to me, the charm of this, and of the former evening: and was the best part of the entertainment.

2007, Amos Bronson Alcott, Karen Ann English, Notes of Conversations, 1848-1875, page 142

Under the connecting feeling of tropical heat and vertical sunlights I brought together all creatures, birds, beasts, reptiles, all trees and plants, usages and appearances, that are found in all tropical regions, and assembled them together in China or Indostan.

2010, Thomas De Quincey, Confessions of an Opium Eater, page 96

They did not build ships and beach on alien shores, and carry their flags and standards into new sunlights.

2011, John Norman, Kur of Gor: Gor