You might think of a sconce (the word that when combined with the prefix en- forms ensconce) 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."
The sculpture is safely ensconced behind glass.
He ensconced himself in front of the television.
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Business class has been edging toward residential elegance for years, but on a recent long-haul flight ensconced in Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite, this trend felt fully realized.—Chris Dong, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025 Flux House was previously ensconced at Dark Horse.—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025 The look Sweeney took inspiration from was first worn on the runway ensconced in a gargantuan, white faux fur coat, before the model stripped it off to reveal the silver showstopper underneath.—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025 The Cult of Reason lasted little more than a year before Robespierre, now ensconced as France’s dictator, replaced it with his own Cult of the Supreme Being.—Paul Kingsnorth, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensconce
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