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.
      1913 webster

            with subtile pencil depainted was this storie.
                                                  --chaucer.
      1913 webster

   2. a slender cylinder or strip of black lead, graphite,
      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.
      1913 webster

   3. hence, figuratively, an artist's ability or peculiar
      manner; also, in general, the act or occupation of the
      artist, descriptive writer, etc.
      1913 webster

   4. opt. an aggregate or collection of rays of light,
      especially when diverging from, or converging to, a point.
      1913 webster

   5. geom. a number of lines that intersect in one point, the
      point of intersection being called the pencil point.
      1913 webster

   6. med. a small medicated bougie.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster
see also:
penicil graphite pencil case pencil flower stylosanthes elatior pencil lead