sconce
1a bracket for candles or other lights, placed on a wall, mirror, picture frame, etc.
the hole or socket of a candlestick, for holding the candle.
Origin of sconce
1Words Nearby sconce
Other definitions for sconce (2 of 4)
Fortification. a small detached fort or defense work, as to defend a pass, bridge, etc.
a protective screen or shelter.
Fortification. to protect with a sconce.
Obsolete. to protect; shelter.
Origin of sconce
2Other definitions for sconce (3 of 4)
(at English universities, especially formerly) to fine (an undergraduate) for a breach of rules or etiquette.
a fine so imposed.
Origin of sconce
3Other definitions for sconce (4 of 4)
the head or skull.
sense or wit.
Origin of sconce
4Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use sconce in a sentence
The person who cares for things unusual will find the candle sconce made of a cowhorn a suitable fixture for the den.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2 | VariousHe placed the candle in a sconce on the wall, and then turned to the three.
Sue, A Little Heroine | L. T. MeadeA silver griffin of a sconce near by held a light in its claws, which fell full upon Cimburga and the miller's son.
The Court Jester | Cornelia BakerHere and there a torch glimmered in a sconce against the wall, or a surgeon with a candle in his hand paused at a bedside.
Joan of the Sword Hand | S(amuel) R(utherford) CrockettHe shut the window, drew curtains over it, switched off the lighted sconce, and went up-stairs.
The Forsyte Saga, Volume III. | John Galsworthy
British Dictionary definitions for sconce (1 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
a bracket fixed to a wall for holding candles or lights
a flat candlestick with a handle
Origin of sconce
1British Dictionary definitions for sconce (2 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork
Origin of sconce
2British Dictionary definitions for sconce (3 of 4)
/ (skɒns) ((at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, esp formerly)) /
to challenge (a fellow student) on the grounds of a social misdemeanour to drink a large quantity of beer without stopping
obsolete to fine (a student) for some minor misdemeanour
the act of sconcing
a mug or tankard used in sconcing
Origin of sconce
3British Dictionary definitions for sconce (4 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
the head or skull
sense, brain, or wit
Origin of sconce
4Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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