First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1sconce
noun \ˈskän(t)s\
Definition of SCONCE
1
: a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks; also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SCONCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French sconce, *esconse screened candle or lantern, from escunser to hide, obscure, from Old French escons, past participle of escondre to hide, from Vulgar Latin *excondere, alteration of Latin abscondere — more at abscond
2sconce
noun
Definition of SCONCE
: a detached defensive work
Origin of SCONCE
Dutch schans, from German Schanze
First Known Use: 1571
Rhymes with SCONCE
Learn More About SCONCE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sconcheonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ScombroideiAll Words Near: sconce
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sconce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).