penknife

[ pen-nahyf ]

noun

, plural pen·knives.

1. a small pocketknife, formerly one used for making and sharpening quill pens. pen.

penknife

/ ˈpɛnˌnaɪf /

noun

1. a small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle; pocketknife

Word History and Origins

Origin of penknife¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; pen ¹, knife

Word History and Origins

Origin of penknife¹

C15: so called because it was originally used for making and repairing quill pens

Example Sentences

He stabbed her twice with a penknife, and one of the wounds was potentially fatal.

From The Daily Beast

No you are not, he answered settling himself back in an easy position, and taking a penknife from his pocket to play with.

From Project Gutenberg

She was pruning a rose-bush with Bub's penknife, and when she heard him coming she wheeled, quivering.

From Project Gutenberg

On arriving at his house they found him rather unwell; he went about the room bent like a half-opened penknife.

From Project Gutenberg

I opened it with a penknife soaked in an antiseptic solution, and cleaned it thoroughly.

From Project Gutenberg

On the cover he had scratched an inscription with his penknife, "The Emperor to his little friend Julia."

From Project Gutenberg