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

The surgeon in the penknife case, who the BBC is not naming, was operating on a patient at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton when he struggled to find a scalpel.

From BBC

In his pockets he had the stub of a pencil, a small scratch pad, quite damp, a few coins, the keys to his house, and his penknife.

From Literature

In others, he utilized a metal comb, or a penknife’s back, or a razor’s edge.

From Los Angeles Times

And their behavior made them notorious, as when Capote threw himself a lavish masquerade party, the Black and White Ball, or when Mailer almost killed his wife by stabbing her with a penknife.

From Washington Post

The creature flapped and struggled, but Doc held it fast and made a little cut on its back with a penknife.

From Literature