sconce

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a decorative wall bracket that holds a candle, lamp, or other light

   Brass sconces lit the hallway.

2. 2
   noun

   a small fort or protective earthwork

   The soldiers built a sconce near the crossing.

From Middle English sconce, sconse (“candlestick or lantern (with screen)”), from Old French esconse (“lantern”), from Latin absconsus (“hidden”), perfect passive participle of abscondō (“hide”). Cognate with abscond.

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