SG Heritage Dictionary

Sconce [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. A fort or bulwark; a work for defense. obsolete

2. A hanging or projecting candlestick, generally with a mirror to reflect the light.

3. Golden sconces hang upon the walls.

4. The circular tube with a brim in a candlestick, into which the candle is inserted, that is, the support, the holder of the candle; and from this sense the candlestick, in the preceding definition, has its name.

5. A fixed seat or shelf. [Local.]

6. Sense; judgment; discretion or understanding. This sense has been in vulgar use in New England within my memory.

7. The head; a low word.

8. A mulet or fine.

Sconce [Verb transitive] Webster's Dictionary 1828

To mulet; to fine. [A low word and not in use.]

Sconce [Past participle] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. A fortification, or work for defense; a fort.

2. A hut for protection and shelter; a stall.

3. A piece of armor for the head; headpiece; helmet.

4. Fig.: The head; the skull; also, brains; sense; discretion.

5. A poll tax; a mulct or fine.

6. A protection for a light; a lantern or cased support for a candle; hence, a fixed hanging or projecting candlestick.

7. Hence, the circular tube, with a brim, in a candlestick, into which the candle is inserted.

8. A squinch.

9. A fragment of a floe of ice.

10. A fixed seat or shelf.

Sconce [Verb transitive] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. To shut up in a sconce; to imprison; to insconce.

2. To mulct; to fine.

Sconced [Imperfect tense and past participle] Webster's Dictionary 1913

of Sconce