Pencil Case
/ˈpɛn.səl ˌkeɪs/noun
A small container used for storing pencils and other writing instruments.
Did you know?Pencil comes from Latin penicillus, “little brush,” the same root behind the scientific name Penicillium—the brush-shaped mold that gave penicillin its name.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kap-
“To seize, grasp, or contain; the ancient root behind the container sense of case.”
Classical Latin
Latin
capsa
“A box, chest, or container for holding objects.”
Classical Latin
Latin
penicillus
“A little brush, originally a diminutive of peniculus, associated with a tail or brush-like tuft.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
casse
“A case, box, or container, descended from Latin capsa.”
17th Century
English
pencil
“A small artist’s brush; later, a writing instrument made with a graphite core.”
19th Century
English
pencil case
“A case or box specifically used to carry pencils and writing tools.”