Sconce (?), n. [D. schans, OD. schantse, perhaps from OF. esconse a
hiding place, akin to esconser to hide, L. absconsus, p. p. of
abscondere. See Abscond, and cf. Ensconce, Sconce a candlestick.] 1. A
fortification, or work for defense; a fort.
No sconce or fortress of his raising was ever known either to have
been forced, or yielded up, or quitted.
Milton.