Dictionary.com
definitions

ensconce

[en-skons]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ensconce ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), en·sconced, en·sconc·ing.

to settle securely or snugly: I found her in the library, ensconced in an armchair.
to cover or shelter; hide securely: He ensconced himself in the closet in order to eavesdrop.

RELATED WORDS

situate, stash, locate, plant, set, shield, conceal, establish, fix, cache, cover, protect, seat, nestle, settle, place, install, shelter, station, ditch

Origin of ensconce

First recorded in 1580–90; en-1 + sconce2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ensconce

Historical Examples of ensconce

  • Let us ensconce ourselves in the vestibule of the sanctuary; he will be here anon.

  • But with apparent obedience she went out—only, however, to ensconce herself immediately behind the door.

    Lochinvar

    S. R. Crockett

  • He had been driven to ensconce the nest in a corner of his already too well-filled den.

  • Amazingly, incredibly to him, this grown woman appeared about to ensconce herself.

  • It struck him at once that it would be a good plan to climb into this, and ensconce himself among the branches.

British Dictionary definitions for ensconce

ensconce

verb (tr; often passive)

to establish or settle firmly or comfortablyensconced in a chair
to place in safety; hide

Word Origin for ensconce

C16: see en- 1, sconce ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for ensconce
v.

1580s, "to cover with a fort," from en- (1) "make, put in" + sconce "small fortification, shelter," perhaps via French, probably from Dutch schans "earthwork" (cf. Middle High German schanze "bundle of sticks"), of uncertain origin. Related: Ensconced.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper