1. A decorative wall bracket for holding candles or other sources of light
   "The antique sconces cast a warm glow in the dining room"
    
2. A candle or flaming torch secured in a sconce
   "The flickering sconce illuminated the castle corridor"
    
3. A small fort or earthwork defending a ford, pass, or castle gate
   "The medieval sconce protected the vulnerable approach to the castle"
    
4. A shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather
   "The soldiers took cover behind the sconce during the artillery barrage"

Derived forms: sconces

Type of: bracket, earthwork, fort, fortress, light, light source, shelter, wall bracket

Encyclopedia: Sconce, Mark