SCONCE, noun

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

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

Golden sconces hang upon the walls.

3. 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.

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

SCONCE, noun

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

2. The head; a low word.

3. A mulet or fine.

SCONCE, verb transitive To mulet; to fine. [A low word and not in use.]