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ensconce

 - 3 dictionary results

en⋅sconce

  [en-skons]
Use ensconce in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -sconced, -sconc⋅ing.
1. to settle securely or snugly: I found her in the library, ensconced in an armchair.
2. to cover or shelter; hide securely: He ensconced himself in the closet in order to eavesdrop.
Origin:
1580–90; en- 1 + sconce 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ensconce
en·sconce   (ěn-skŏns')   
tr.v.   en·sconced, en·sconc·ing, en·sconc·es

  1. To settle (oneself) securely or comfortably: She ensconced herself in an armchair.

  2. To place or conceal in a secure place.


[en-1 + sconce1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

ensconce 
1590, "to cover with a fort," from en- "make, put in" + sconce "small fortification, shelter," probably from Du. schans "earthwork."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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