inkhorn

American  

[ingk-hawrn] / ˈɪŋkˌhɔrn /

noun

1. a small container of horn or other material, formerly used to hold writing ink.

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inkhorn British  

/ ˈɪŋkˌhɔːn /

noun

1. (formerly) a small portable container for ink, usually made from horn

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Etymology

Origin of inkhorn

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at ink, horn

Explanation

As a noun, the word inkhorn describes a small container used to hold writing ink. As an adjective, it describes language that’s so excessively scholarly, it comes off as a bit pretentious. The word inkhorn originally comes from the days when scholars and writers used small containers made from the horns of animals to hold their ink. These inkhorns were symbols of learning and literacy, essential for creating manuscripts, letters, and official documents. Over time, the word inkhorn also took on a more figurative meaning as an adjective, describing language that’s overly academic or pompous, typically used by someone trying too hard to sound smart.

Example Sentences

A new student at Al Azhar buys himself a high, tight academic turban, sharpens his reed quills, tucks his inkhorn into his belt, takes off his slippers, and enters Al Azhar mosque.

From Time Magazine Archive

He carried a quill pen stuck in his hat, an inkhorn in his lapel, and his fiddle on the wagon seat beside him.

From Time Magazine Archive

And in the kitchen sat Sam Adams himself, inkhorn and papers before him.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

He was still in his bedgown and slippers, with paper, inkhorn, and pens about him, writing poetry.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

So, drying her eyes, Peggy brought forth inkhorn and quills, and the two evolved the following advertisement, which followed the fashion of the day:     ONE  HUNDRED  DOLLARS  REWARD!

From Peggy Owen Patriot A Story for Girls by Madison, Lucy Foster