ensconce
UK[ɪnˈskɒns]US[ɪnˈskɑːns]
v
to settle yourself in a safe, comfortable, or hidden place
v
to place or hide something securely or snugly
Morpheme Breakdown
en
sconce
en
in, into, on, upon
sconce
Etymology
the word 'ensconce' entered english in the late 16th century, derived from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'in' and the now-archaic noun 'sconce,' which referred to a small fort or a protective screen. 'sconce' itself traces back to middle french and ultimately to a latin verb meaning 'to hide or cover.' thus, the literal morphemic logic is 'to put into a fort or hiding place.' over time, the military connotation softened, and the word evolved to describe the act of establishing oneself or something else in a secure, comfortable, and often concealed position.
Analysis
Structure: en + sconce
en- (from old french, from latin 'in-', a prefix meaning 'in, into, on, upon'); sconce (from middle french 'esconce', meaning 'hiding place, lantern', from old french 'esconser', 'to hide')
Examples
the cat ensconced itself in the pile of warm laundry.
after years of travel, he was happy to ensconce himself in his quiet country cottage.
the valuable documents were ensconced in the vault.