sconce
sconce (skäns)
noun
Etymology: ME sconse, aphetic < OFr esconse, dark lantern < pp. of escondre, to hide < L abscondere: see abscond
sconce (skäns)
noun
- a small fort, bulwark, etc.
- Archaic
- a hut, shed, or other shelter
- a helmet or the like
- 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
sconce (skäns)
transitive verb sconced, sconcing sconc′·ing
Etymology: < ?
noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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