ensconce

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɛnˈskɒns/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɛnˈskɑns/

• 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, chapter IX, in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer:

     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.

   • 2014 January 21, Hermione Hoby, “Julia Roberts interview for August: Osage County – 'I might actually go to hell for this ...': Julia Roberts reveals why her violent, Oscar-nominated performance in August: Osage County made her feel 'like a terrible person' [print version: 'I might actually go to hell for this ...' (18 January 2014, p. R4)]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review)‎:

     The film grossed $464 million worldwide, ensconcing her in the Hollywood A-list.

2. (intransitive) To settle comfortably.
   • 1945 August 17, George Orwell, chapter 1, in Animal Farm: A Fairy Story, London: Secker & Warburg, OCLC 3655473:

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