[sconce] n [ME, fr. MF esconse screened lantern, fr. OF, fr. fem. of escons, pp. of escondre to hide, fr. L abscondere--more at abscond] (15c) 1: a bracket candlestick or group of candlesticks; also: an electric light fixture patterned on a candle sconce
2: head, skull
[2]sconce n [D schans, fr. G Schanze] (1571): a detached defensive work