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.
Where nature pencils butterflies on flowers. --Harte.