释义 |
ˈpenwork Also with hyphen and as two words. [pen n.2] a. Work done with a pen; writing. b. The decoration and ornamental lettering of illuminated books and manuscripts done with a pen; also, decoration drawn with a pen on the surface of furniture. Also attrib.
1644Sir E. Dering Prop. Sacr. b ij, Can a leisure be found for pen-work? 1844H. N. Humphreys Illum. Bks. Middle Ages 6/1 The letters..terminating in the margin in long tails,..only, instead of being solid, they are formed of light lines slightly enriched with simple and delicate penwork. 1899Westm. Gaz. 4 Sept. 3/3 The last pen⁓work of Charlotte Brontë. 1901J. W. Bradley Illum. Lett. & Borders iv. 49 The execution [of Celtic illumination] chiefly consists in pen work in black or coloured inks. 1906E. Johnston Writing & Illuminating xiii. 218 Many of the most beautiful MSS. were made in pen-work throughout. And it is well that the penman should stick to his pen as much as is possible. 1928O. E. Saunders Eng. Illumination I. 110 What distinguishes these borders especially from earlier work are the feathery sprays, indicated by pen-work lightly touched with green and ending in flourishes like the tendrils of a vine. 1969N. R. Ker Medieval MSS. in Brit. Libraries I. p. xiii, The terms ‘decoration’..and ‘ornament’..have been used in describing the surrounds of initials to make the important distinction between work with a brush and penwork flourishings. 1973Times 13 Apr. 18/6 The curiosity of the sale was a monumental Empire ebonized secretaire-cabinet, the top shaped as a temple supported on lightly draped female figures and the whole lavishly applied with classical ormolu motifs and penwork. 1976Codicologica I. 78 Practically no research has been done on the history of decoration of the medieval manuscript and of the numerous elements included in that word: initials,..penwork flourishes on initials or paragraph signs, [etc.]. 1978Bodl. Libr. Rec. IX. 326 Their simple penwork interlace is frequently enlivened by the inclusion of a bird or monster head, a flower or a peascod. Hence ˈpenworker, one who works with a pen; ˈpenworked a. (in sense b).
1901Penworker [ s.v. pen n.2 7]. 1965Harper's Bazaar June 76/3 A Regency working-table with an exquisite black pen-worked top..{pstlg}70. |