Definition of the word sconce

The word "sconce" has multiple meanings, and its origin can be traced back to the Middle English term "schenken," which means "to show" or "to make visible." This term later evolved into the Old French word "eschonc," which refers to a defensive structure built on a wall or tower to make it more difficult for attackers to scale it. In the late 16th century, the term "sconce" came to describe a portable, metal or wood unit used to hold a lit candle or small oil lamp, typically displayed on a wall as a decorative item or practical light source. This sense of the word spread to other English dialects and eventually gained wider acceptance in the English language. While the original meaning of "sconce"—as a defensive fortification—has largely fallen out of common usage, the term still appears in modern English to describe a variety of objects, from a facial cosmetic used to conceal blemishes (due to its concealing function) to a transformative shield in the video game "Halo." In summary, the origins of the word "sconce" can be traced back to the Middle English term "schenken," which referred to the act of making something recognizable or visible, and has evolved over time to describe a variety of objects with different uses.