penknife
pronunciation
How to pronounce penknife in British English:
UK [ˈpennaɪf]
How to pronounce penknife in American English:
US [ˈpɛnˌnaɪf]
-
- Noun:
- a small pocketknife; originally used to cut quill pens
Word Origin
- penknife (n.)
- early 15c., from pen (n.1) + knife (n.). So called because such small knives were used to sharpen quills.
Example
- 1. Find me a penknife , can you , please ?
- 2. Shut a book , wallet , penknife .
- 3. To stab the apple with a penknife .
- 4. After dinner orderly tries to explain to Nesterov that he needs his penknife back , which remained with their staff doctor .
- 5. The curate , astonished at his quickness and intelligence , made him a present of pens , paper , and a penknife .