Word of the Day
Pen
Mac Dictionary’s definition:
pen 1 |pen|
noun
1 an instrument for writing or drawing with ink, typically consisting of a metal nib or ball, or a nylon tip, fitted into a metal or plastic holder.
• ( the pen) the occupation or practice of writing : she was forced to support herself not only by the pen, but as a secret agent.
• an electronic penlike device used in conjunction with a writing surface to enter commands or data into a computer.
2 Zoology the tapering cartilaginous internal shell of a squid.
verb ( penned , penning ) [ trans. ]
write or compose : he had not penned a line to Lizzie in three years.
PHRASES
the pen is mightier than the sword proverb writing is more effective than military power or violence.
put (or set) pen to paper write or begin to write something.
ORIGIN Middle English (originally denoting a feather with a sharpened quill): from Old French penne, from Latin penna ‘feather’ (in late Latin ‘pen’ ).
pen 2
noun
a small enclosure in which sheep, pigs, cattle, or other domestic animals are kept.
• a number of animals in or sufficient to fill such an enclosure : a pen of young horses.
• any small enclosure in which someone or something can be confined.
• a covered dock for a submarine or other warship.
verb ( penned , penning ) [ trans. ]
put or keep (an animal) in a pen : it was the practice to pen the sheep for clipping.
• ( pen someone up/in) confine someone in a restricted space : they had been penned up day and night in the house.
ORIGIN Old English penn, of unknown origin.
pen 3
noun
a female swan.
ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: of unknown origin.
pen 4
noun informal
short for penitentiary (sense 1).
PEN
abbreviation
International Association of Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, and Novelists.
Every writer’s pen is their weapon. MY PEN IS MY WEAPON! Interpret that as you will.
I have various pens so therefore I have VARIOUS WEAPONS!
What do you use your weapon for?
