Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pencil \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.