ˈstensl n. & v. --n. 1 (in full stencil-plate) a
thin sheet of
plastic,
metal, card,
etc., in
which a
pattern or
lettering is
cut, used to
produce a corresponding pattern on
the surface beneath it by applying
ink,
paint, etc. 2 the pattern, lettering, etc., produced by a stencil-plate. 3 a waxed sheet etc.
from which a stencil is
made by
means of a
typewriter. --v.tr. (stencilled, stencilling; US stenciled, stenciling) 1 (often foll. by on) produce (a pattern)
with a stencil. 2
decorate or mark (a surface) in
this way. [ME f. OF estanceler
sparkle,
cover with stars, f. estencele spark ult. f. L scintilla]