ensconce

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English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɛnˈskɒns/
  • (US) enPR: ĭn-skäns', IPA(key): /ɛnˈskɑns/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɒns

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.
  2. (intransitive or transitive) To settle comfortably.
    • 1941 June, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, pages 261, 263:
      So many invitations had been extended to this premiére that the train was pretty nearly full; the press and other guests distributed themselves over the remaining accommodation, and I ensconced myself in a facing window seat in one of the compartments of the third-class brake next the tender.
    • 1943 November – 1944 February (date written; published 1945 August 17), George Orwell , Animal Farm , London: Secker & Warburg, published May 1962, →OCLC:
      Major was already ensconced on his bed of straw, under a lantern which hung from a beam.

Usage notes

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

Synonyms

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Further reading