sconce
1[ skons ]
/ skɒns /
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
11350–1400; Middle English sconce, sconse (< Old French esconce) < Medieval Latin scōnsa, aphetic variant of abscōnsa, noun use of feminine past participle of abscondere to conceal; see abscond
Words nearby sconce
scolopendrid, scolopendrium, scombrid, scombroid, scombroid poisoning, sconce, sconcheon, sconcheon arch, scone, scooby doo, scoop
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
21565–75; < Dutch schans < German Schanze, orig. bundle of wood; compare ensconse
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
3First 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
4First recorded in 1560–70; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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
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