pencilful noun4 •The quantity of lead (or graphite) that fills a pencil.How about taking a penful of ink or a pencil[-]ful of lead and giving us your real name and address so that your note can be answered? — 1949 •(historical) The amount of paint, water, ink, etc. that can be held on a paintbrush.By this plan, dryer is added to each fresh pencilful of color, the pencil behaves better and the stripes run on as freely and with as good edges as when color is mixed with oil. — 1882 •The amount that can be written with a pencil.It is not my intention to throw even a pencilful of fun at the country boy. — 1892 •(no longer used) The amount that can be held in a pencil (medicinal bougie).“[…]Shall I give you the whole pencilful?” One blink. “Here it is. I’m pouring it between your lips. Try to swallow.” — 1952
