ensconce

WOTD – 19 October 2006    

English

Etymology

From en- +‎ sconce, “to enter a sconce (“fortification”)”.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɛnˈskɒns/ X-SAMPA: /En"skQns/
• (US) IPA: /ɛnˈskɑns/ X-SAMPA: /En"skAns/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɒns, -ɑns

Verb

ensconce (third-person singular simple present ensconces, present participle ensconcing, simple past and past participle ensconced)

1. (transitive) To place in a secure environment.
   • 1876, Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, ch IX,

     They found the sharp new heap they were seeking, and ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms that grew in a bunch within a few feet of the grave.

2. (intransitive) To settle comfortably.
   • 1945, George Orwell, Animal Farm, chapter 1

     […] Major was already ensconced on his bed of straw, under a lantern which hung from a beam.

Usage notes

Particularly used in form ensconced, as in “she was ensconced in an armchair.”

Synonyms

• (settle comfortably): cuddle up

Translations

to place in a secure environment

• Russian: укрывать (ru) (ukryvátʹ) impf., укрыть (ru) (ukrýtʹ) pf.

to settle comfortably

• Russian: устраиваться (ru) (ustráivatʹsja) impf., устроиться (ru) (ustróitʹsja) pf.