Pencil

n. [Lat. penicillum and penicillus, equivalent to peniculus, diminutive of penis, a tail; Pr. pinzel, Sp. & Pg. pincel, Fr. pinceau, It. pennello.]

1. A small brush, made of fine hair or bristles, used by painters for laying on colors.
2. An instrument formed of black lead, colored chalk, or the like, and pointed at the end, or inclosed in a case and pointed, used for writing and drawing. “By shading pencil drawn.” Milton.
3. Hence, the art, capacity, or instrument of painting, drawing, or describing.

He drew, with a singularly easy and vigorous pencil, the character of nine or ten of his intimate associates. Macaulay. 4. (Opt.) An aggregate or collection of rays of light.