Category:Pencil

Pen"cil, n. Etym: [of. pincel, f. pinceau, l. penicillum, penicillus, Equiv. to peniculus, dim. of penis a tail. Cf. Penicil.]

1. A small, fine brush of hair or bristles used by painters for Laying on colors. With subtile pencil depainted was this storie. Chaucer.

2. A slender cylinder or strip of black lead, colored chalk, slate Etc., or such a cylinder or strip inserted in a small wooden rod Intended to be pointed, or in a case, which forms a handle, -- used For drawing or writing. See graphite.

3. Hence, figuratively, an artist's ability or peculiar manner; also, In general, the act or occupation of the artist, descriptive writer, Etc.

4. (opt.)

Defn: an aggregate or collection of rays of light, especially when Diverging from, or converging to, a point.

5. (geom.)

Defn: a number of lines that intersect in one point, the point of Intersection being called the pencil point.

6. (med.)

Defn: a small medicated bougie. Pencil case, a holder for pencil Lead. -- pencil flower (bot.), an american perennial leguminous herb (stylosanthes elatior). -- pencil lead, a slender rod of black lead, or the like, adapted For insertion in a holder.

Pencil Pen"cil, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Penciled or pencilled; p. pr. & vb. n. Penciling or pencilling.]

Defn: to write or mark with a pencil; to paint or to draw. Cowper. Where nature pencils butterflies on flowers. Harte.