'sconce' originates from two related sources. One source is Middle Dutch, specifically the word 'schans', where 'schans' meant 'fortification' or 'earthwork'. Another source is Old French 'esconse' (from Late Latin 'absconsus', past participle of 'abscondere'), where 'abs-' meant 'away' and 'condere' meant 'to hide', giving the sense of a 'covered or sheltered place'.

The fortification sense developed via Middle Dutch 'schans' → early English forms such as Middle Dutch-influenced 'sconce' meaning a small fort or earthwork. The lighting/covering sense came into English from Old French 'esconse' and Middle English 'sconce' meaning a covering or protective bracket, later narrowing to a bracket for candles and lamps.

Initially it meant either 'a sheltered or covered place' (from Old French/Latin) or 'a small fortification' (from Middle Dutch). Over time these evolved into the modern English senses: a wall-mounted holder for candles or lights and a small defensive earthwork.