blue-pencil

[bloo-pen-suhl]

verb (used with object)

blue-penciled, blue-penciling , blue-pencilled, blue-pencilling .

1. to alter, abridge, or cancel with or as with a pencil that has blue lead, as in editing a manuscript.

blue pencil

noun

1. deletion, alteration, or censorship of the contents of a book or other work

verb

1. (tr) to alter or delete parts of (a book, film, etc), esp to censor

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue pencil¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Related Words

• alter 
• amend 
• compare 
• cut 
• develop 
• improve 
• modify 
• overhaul 
• reconsider 
• reexamine 
• reorganize 
• revamp 
• review 
• rework 
• rewrite 
• scrutinize 
• tighten 
• update 
• upgrade