sconces

Noun (1)

sconce (plural sconces)

1. A fixture for a light, which holds it and provides a screen against wind or against a naked flame or lightbulb.
   • […]tapers put into lanterns or sconces of several-coloured, oiled paper, that the wind might not annoy them.1644 December 2 (Gregorian calendar), John Evelyn, “[Diary entry for 23 November 1644]”, in William Bray, editor, Memoirs, Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, […], 2nd edition...
   1. A candlestick (holder for a candle, especially a circular tube, with a brim, into which a candle is inserted), either with a handle for carrying, or with a bracket for attaching to a wall.
      • Taking the candle […] she stood with the little flat brass sconce in her hand.1858, Mrs. Oliphant, Laird of Norlaw, I. v. 55

Noun (2)

sconce (plural sconces)

1. A head or a skull.
   • Novv as I am a Chriſtian anſvver me, / In vvhat ſafe place you haue beſtovv'd my monie; / Or I ſhall breake that merrie ſconce of yours / That ſtands on tricks, vvhen I am vndiſpos'd: / VVhere is the thouſand Markes thou hadſt of me?c. 1594 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Comedie of Errors”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
2. A poll tax; a mulct or fine.
   • I'll gladly pay a sconce2011, Allan Mallinson, On His Majesty's Service
3. (Oxford University slang) An act of sconcing (very similar to a fine at Cambridge University, though a sconce is the act of issuing a penalty rather than the penalty itself).
   • Near-synonym: (Cambridge University slang) fine

   Synonyms:

   sconcing, fine

Noun (3)

sconce (plural sconces)

1. A type of small fort or other fortification, especially as built to defend a pass or ford.
   • No sconce or fortress of his raising was ever known either to have been forced, or yielded up, or quitted.1670, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in The History of Britain, that Part Especially now Call’d England. […], London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for James Allestry, […] , →OCLC

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