You might think of a sconce as a type of candleholder or lamp, but the word can also refer to a defensive fortification, usually one made of earth. Originally, then, a person who was ensconced was enclosed in or concealed by such a structure, out of harm's way. One of the earliest writers to apply the verb ensconce with the general sense of "hide" was William Shakespeare. In The Merry Wives of Windsor, the character Falstaff, hoping to avoid detection when he is surprised during an amorous moment with Mrs. Ford, says "She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras." (An arras is a tapestry or wall hanging.)
The sculpture is safely ensconced behind glass.
He ensconced himself in front of the television.
Recent Examples on the WebAnd now anonymous surrender, i.e., safe haven law, is ensconced in every U.S. state.—Maria Laurino, The New Republic, 29 June 2023 For some perspective, though, consider that Licht is leaving for reasons that look like misdemeanors next to the routine atrocities at Fox News, where the management team appears ensconced after a $787.5 million settlement over knowing falsehoods that defamed Dominion Voting Systems.—Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 7 June 2023 These small agricultural towns, founded by Spanish settlers and missionaries in the 18th century, are today ensconced in an agricultural landscape that collectively produces 28 percent of the nation’s strawberries, 57 percent of its celery, and 70 percent of its lettuce.—Jeremy Miller, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2023 But the Bonettis were different — ensconced on a typical street in Maryland, living what appeared to be a typical American life.—Manuel Roig-Franzia, Washington Post, 7 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for ensconce
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ensconce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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