1. (n.) A small, fine brush of hair or bristles used by painters for laying on colors.

2. (n.) 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. (n.) Hence, figuratively, an artist's ability or peculiar manner; also, in general, the act or occupation of the artist, descriptive writer, etc.

4. (n.) An aggregate or collection of rays of light, especially when diverging from, or converging to, a point.

5. (n.) A number of lines that intersect in one point, the point of intersection being called the pencil point.

6. (n.) A small medicated bougie.

7. (v. t.) To write or mark with a pencil; to paint or to draw.