ensconce \en-SKAHNS\ (verb) - To affix someone or
something firmly in a secure place (a) so as not to move or (b) for
concealment.
"Mildred ensconced herself behind the Venetian blinds so as to see without being seen."
Today's word has nothing to do with candle or lighting fixtures on the wall (sconces). Another word "sconce" originally referred to earthen fortifications or hideaways. "Ensconce" meant to provide these, very close to "dig in," a meaning not far from that of the word today. The actual origin of this sense of "sconce" is unclear. It apparently is related to Dutch schans "earthworks" and German Schanse "redoubt, small earthen fortification," but the prefix en- suggests a Romance origin: French, Italian, Latin. Apparently, the Germanic word was borrowed by French, then borrowed back into English but no hard evidence is known
"Mildred ensconced herself behind the Venetian blinds so as to see without being seen."
Today's word has nothing to do with candle or lighting fixtures on the wall (sconces). Another word "sconce" originally referred to earthen fortifications or hideaways. "Ensconce" meant to provide these, very close to "dig in," a meaning not far from that of the word today. The actual origin of this sense of "sconce" is unclear. It apparently is related to Dutch schans "earthworks" and German Schanse "redoubt, small earthen fortification," but the prefix en- suggests a Romance origin: French, Italian, Latin. Apparently, the Germanic word was borrowed by French, then borrowed back into English but no hard evidence is known
Charles Mims
_______________________________________________ Sndbox mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://a8.mewebdns-a8.com/mailman/listinfo/sndbox_sandboxmail.net
