ensconce

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to settle someone or oneself securely and comfortably in a particular place

   She ensconced herself in an armchair beside the fire with a novel.

2. 2
   verb

   to place or hide someone or something in a protected or concealed position

   The observers ensconced themselves behind a screen overlooking the nest.

Formed from en- ('in') + sconce in its old sense 'a fortification or protective shelter.' Ensconce therefore first meant to place within a defensive position; it later softened to the modern ideas of settling securely, sitting comfortably, or hiding safely from view.

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