sconce

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather
  2. noun a small fort or earthwork defending a ford, pass, or castle gate
  3. noun a candle or flaming torch secured in a sconce

Etymology

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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