Definitions for the word "sconce" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. p. p.
A fortification, or work for defense; a fort.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. p. p.
A hut for protection and shelter; a stall.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. p. p.
A piece of armor for the head; headpiece; helmet.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. p. p.
Fig.: The head; the skull; also, brains; sense; discretion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. p. p.
A poll tax; a mulct or fine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. p. p.
A protection for a light; a lantern or cased support for a candle; hence, a fixed hanging or projecting candlestick.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. p. p.
Hence, the circular tube, with a brim, in a candlestick, into which the candle is inserted.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. p. p.
A squinch.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. p. p.
A fragment of a floe of ice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. p. p.
A fixed seat or shelf.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To shut up in a sconce; to imprison; to insconce.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To mulct; to fine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
Wall-bracket for a candlestick or light-fitting. [latin (ab)sconsa covered (light)]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
14. slang
the head; judgment, sense.—_Dutch._
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
15. slang
to fine. Used by Dons as well as undergrads. The Dons fined or
SCONCED for small offences; _e.g._, five shillings for wearing a
coloured coat in hall at dinner-time. Among undergrads a pun, or an
oath, or an indecent remark, was SCONCED by the head of the table. If
the offender could, however, floor the tankard of beer which he was
SCONCED, he could retort on his SCONCER to the extent of twice the
amount he was SCONCED in.—_Oxford University._
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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