sconce
6
8.4
- noun
- /skɒns/
:
aplique
- A thousand wax white candles burned in crystal chandeliers and gilded wall sconces.
- wall sconces
Examples
-
Candles burn in sconces, casting alternate shadows and pools of light.
Fiction book (1994) -
The antique sconces on the walls were designed to hold tall, flickering candles.
-
One day I brought home a sconce I had made in woodshop.
-
You wake up, stretch and then I have these pretty sconces on either side of my bed.
-
Now, if we're trying for a more contemporary look, well, these sconces have to go.
-
The brass sconces with the electric candles are on the walls.
Fiction book (1998) -
Torches burn in wall sconces, casting everything in a warm amber glow.
Fiction book (1998) -
I polished the sconces, the kerosene lamps, and the fire tools.
Fiction book (1990) -
I finished the ballad and took up a taper to light the candles in the wall sconces.
Fiction book (1994) -
I unwrapped delicate wall sconces, examined them for defects, and rewrapped them.
Fiction book (1990)
Synonyms
20
2.5
A thing that holds one or more candles
4
3.4
A device fixed to a ceiling or wall that holds a lamp to give light
1
1.2
An object that holds candles upright
A decorative candle holder with several branches for holding candles
How Ornate
Surface Forms
Etymology
Sconce also comes from the same old French esconce, and the idea of 'protection' moved to lights too: people put candles in a small protected spot on the wall. So a sconce can mean a wall bracket that 'holds' and often 'protects' a candle or light.