1856 E. K. Kane I. vii. 72 Just then, a broad sconce~piece or low water-washed berg came driving up... As the sconce moved rapidly close alongside us, McGary managed to plant an anchor on its slope.
1889 R. Collinson & T. B. Collinson 294 We..were..unable to see our way among the sconces, and..I hove-to for daylight.