sconce

noun

a bracket attached to a wall for holding a candle, candles, or the like

Etymology: ME sconse, aphetic < OFr esconse, dark lantern < pp. of escondre, to hide < L abscondere: see abscond

noun

1. a small fort, bulwark, etc.
2. Archaic
   1. a hut, shed, or other shelter
   2. a helmet or the like
   3. the head or skull; also, brains; good sense

Etymology: Du schans, fortress, orig., wickerwork, wicker basket < Ger schanze < It scanso, defense < scansare, to avoid < VL *excampsare < ex-, away + *campsare, to sail around < Gr kampsai, aorist of kamptein, to bend; akin to L campus: see campus

transitive verb sconced, sconc′·ing

1. to provide with a sconce (sense )
2. to shelter or protect

transitive verb sconced, sconc′·ing

to fine; esp., at Oxford University, to fine lightly for a breach of manners

Etymology: < ?

noun

such a fine