socket

n. [ OE. soket, a dim. through OF. fr. L. soccus. See Sock a covering for the foot. ] 1. An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth. [ 1913 Webster ]

His eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Electricity) the receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb. [ PJC ]

4. (Electricity) the receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; -- called also a wall socket or outlet. The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety. [ PJC ]

And in the sockets oily bubbles dance. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Socket bolt (Mach.), a bolt that passes through a thimble that is placed between the parts connected by the bolt. --
Socket chisel. Same as Framing chisel. See under Framing. --
Socket pipe, a pipe with an expansion at one end to receive the end of a connecting pipe. --
Socket pole, a pole armed with iron fixed on by means of a socket, and used to propel boats, etc. [ U.S. ] --
Socket wrench, a wrench consisting of a socket at the end of a shank or rod, for turning a nut, bolthead, etc., in a narrow or deep recess. [ 1913 Webster ]