Bible Encyclopedias
Sconce

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Scolecite

Next Entry
Scone

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Dictionaries
Webster Dictionary
• Sconcing
• Sconced
• Sconce
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Sconce
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Sconce
• Squinch, or Sconce

(Lat. absconsus, Fr. esconce), a word of many meanings, mostly signifying a covering or protection, or, by extension, that which is covered or protected. Its most familiar significance is that of a wall light, consisting of a metal bracket, with two or more socketed branches for candles. The word is also used for the orifice of a candlestick into which the candle is fixed, and for the rim of metal, glass or china, placed round a candle to intercept grease droppings. Among its obsolete meanings is that of head or skull. At the English universities "to sconce" is still used as the term for imposing a penalty at dinner in the shape of a quart-pot of beer or cider.