sconce Hear it!

sconce1 definition

sconce (skäns)

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

sconce2 definition

sconce (skäns)

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, sconcing sconc′·ing

  1. to provide with a sconce (sense )
  2. to shelter or protect
sconce3 definition

sconce (skäns)

transitive verb sconced, sconcing sconc′·ing

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

Etymology: < ?

noun

such a fine

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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