penknife

Definition

A small pocketknife; (loosely) any pocketknife.

Etymology

From Middle English penne knyfe; equivalent to pen + knife. In the original sense, named for its purpose: aiding the use of a (traditional) ink pen through the following tasks: trimming the tip of a quill pen, trimming a reed for a nib, and (in some cases) allowing erasure by scraping away some ink.

Example Sentences

• "Limpet's penknife was on the table, and he snatched that up and commenced stabbing it into the cork, whether as a means of getting it out, or merely as a relief to his passion, it is difficult to say."
• "The logical distinction between genus and species can, of course, apply to any objects whatsoever. Thus, for example, the genus knife may be divided into several species, such as penknife, table knife, bread knife, razor, etc. We might define the penknife as a knife small enough to be carried in the pocket, with foldable, sheathable elements, characterized by the feature that one blade at least is always suitable for sharpening pencils and erasing ink spots. We are quite sure in which features all the members of a certain species agree, notwithstanding possible individual characteristics, say a monogram on one penknife, or a corkscrew in another."
• "Presently the man took a reed pen from his satchel, and trimmed it with a little ivory knife, carved in the semblance of a fish. "Oh, what a beauty!" cried Dan. "'Ware fingers! That blade is perilous sharp. I made it myself of the best Low Country crossbow steel. And so, too, this fish. When his back-fin travels to his tail—so—he swallows up the blade, even as the whale swallowed Gaffer Jonah.""