1. [n]  a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
2. [v]  write, draw, or trace with a pencil; "he penciled a figure"

1. \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.
   

2. \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.
   

Pictorial ENCodIng Language. On-line system to display line structures. Sammet 1969, 675.