sconce
1a 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.
Origin of sconce
1Other definitions for sconce (2 of 4)
Fortification. a small detached fort or defense work, as to defend a pass, bridge, etc.
a protective screen or shelter.
Fortification. to protect with a sconce.
Obsolete. to protect; shelter.
Origin of sconce
2Other definitions for sconce (3 of 4)
(at English universities, especially formerly) to fine (an undergraduate) for a breach of rules or etiquette.
a fine so imposed.
Origin of sconce
3Other definitions for sconce (4 of 4)
the head or skull.
sense or wit.
Origin of sconce
4Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use sconce in a sentence
A stairway wound upward lit at intervals by flickering sconces.
God Wills It! | William Stearns DavisAs the sconces either side were lit her delicate shoulders and pale lovely face were reflected in the dark depths of the mirror.
The Rake's Progress | Marjorie BowenThe little church was lighted with candles stuck in tin sconces nailed to the wall, and was dim enough.
Johnny Ludlow, Fourth Series | Mrs. Henry WoodThe room was lit up by means of a number of tallow candles, stuck in tin sconces round the walls.
Hudson Bay | R.M. BallantyneThey had polished brass sconces fastened everywhere to the walls, Mistress Wadsworth said.
Boys and Girls of Colonial Days | Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
British Dictionary definitions for sconce (1 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
a bracket fixed to a wall for holding candles or lights
a flat candlestick with a handle
Origin of sconce
1British Dictionary definitions for sconce (2 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork
Origin of sconce
2British Dictionary definitions for sconce (3 of 4)
/ (skɒns) ((at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, esp formerly)) /
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
the act of sconcing
a mug or tankard used in sconcing
Origin of sconce
3British Dictionary definitions for sconce (4 of 4)
/ (skɒns) /
the head or skull
sense, brain, or wit
Origin of sconce
4Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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