sconce

¹sconce

noun \ˈskän(t)s\

Definition of SCONCE

1

: a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks; also : an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce

2

: head, skull

Origin of SCONCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French sconce, *esconse screened candle or lantern, from escunser to hide, obscure, from Old French escons, past participle of escondre to hide, from Vulgar Latin *excondere, alteration of Latin abscondere — more at abscond

First Known Use: 15th century