SCONCE

Sconce

A sconce is a small protective fortification, such as an earthwork often placed on a mound as a defensive work for artillery. It was used primarily in Northern Europe from the late Middle Ages until the 19th century. This type of fortification was common during the English Civil War, and the remains of one such structure can be see on Fort Royal Hill in Worcester, England. During the Eighty Years' War for Dutch independence, sconces were often used to defend strategic places, but were used also during sieges and in circumvallations. Several more or less intact sconces remain in the Netherlands.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Sconce (fortification)
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

sconce

Noun

  1. A light fixture.
  2. A head or a skull.
  3. A poll tax; a mulct or fine.
  4. A piece of armour for the head; headpiece; helmet.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. A type of small fort or other fortification, especially as built to defend a pass or ford.
  2. A hut for protection and shelter; a stall.
  3. The circular tube, with a brim, in a candlestick, into which the candle is inserted.
  4. A squinch.
  5. A fragment of a floe of ice.
  6. A fixed seat or shelf.

Verb

  1. to impose a fine, a forfeit, or a mulct.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. to shut within a sconce; to imprison.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: sconce
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!