Dictionary.com

sconce

1
[ skons ]
/ skɒns /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR sconce ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a 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.

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Origin of sconce

1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English sconce, sconse, from Old French esconce, or directly from Medieval Latin scōnsa, shortening of abscōnsa, noun use of feminine past participle of abscondere “to conceal”; see origin at abscond

Words nearby sconce

scolopendrid, scolopendrium, scombrid, scombroid, scombroid poisoning, sconce, sconcheon, sconcheon arch, scone, S. Con. Res., scooby doo

Definition for sconce (2 of 4)

sconce2
[ skons ]
/ skɒns /

noun

Fortification. a small detached fort or defense work, as to defend a pass, bridge, etc.
a protective screen or shelter.

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

Fortification. to protect with a sconce.
Obsolete. to protect; shelter.

Origin of sconce

2
First recorded in 1565–75; from Dutch schans, from German Schanze “entrenchment, fieldwork,” originally “bundle of sticks or wood; fagot”; see ensconce

Definition for sconce (3 of 4)

sconce3
[ skons ]
/ skɒns /

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

(at English universities, especially formerly) to fine (an undergraduate) for a breach of rules or etiquette.

noun

a fine so imposed.

Origin of sconce

3
First recorded in 1610–20; origin uncertain

Definition for sconce (4 of 4)

sconce4
[ skons ]
/ skɒns /

noun

the head or skull.
sense or wit.

Origin of sconce

4
First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to sconce

candelabra, punish, levy, confiscate, pricket, candelabrum, menorah, extort, seize, alienate, tax, dock, mulct, amerce, exact, sequestrate, pay through the nose, throw book at

Example sentences from the Web for sconce

British Dictionary definitions for sconce (1 of 4)

sconce1
/ (skɒns) /

noun

a bracket fixed to a wall for holding candles or lights
a flat candlestick with a handle

Word Origin for sconce

C14: from Old French esconse hiding place, lantern, or from Late Latin sconsa, from absconsa dark lantern

British Dictionary definitions for sconce (2 of 4)

sconce2
/ (skɒns) /

noun

a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork

Word Origin for sconce

C16: from Dutch schans, from Middle High German schanze bundle of brushwood

British Dictionary definitions for sconce (3 of 4)

sconce3
/ (skɒns) ((at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, esp formerly)) /

verb (tr)

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

noun

the act of sconcing
a mug or tankard used in sconcing

Word Origin for sconce

C17: of obscure origin

British Dictionary definitions for sconce (4 of 4)

sconce4
/ (skɒns) /

noun archaic

the head or skull
sense, brain, or wit

Word Origin for sconce

C16: probably jocular use of sconce 1
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