Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCONCE, n.¹ [D. schans; G. schanze; D. skands; Sw. skans, a fort or castle, a fortification.]

1. A fort or bulwark; a work for defense. [Obs.] – Shak.
2. A hanging or projecting candlestick, generally with a mirror to reflect the light. Golden sconces hang upon the walls. – Dryden.
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.]