Pen"cil (?), n. [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.
An aggregate or collection of rays of light, especially when diverging from, or converging to, a point.
5. Geom.
A number of lines that intersect in one point, the point of intersection being called the pencil point.
6. Med.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Pen"cil, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Penciled (?) or Pencilled; p. pr. & vb. n. Penciling or Pencilling.]
To write or mark with a pencil; to paint or to draw.
Cowper.
Where nature pencils butterflies on flowers.
Harte.
© Webster 1913.