ˈpenlight, pen-light
[f. pen n.2 + light n.]
An electric torch shaped like a fountain-pen.
| 1958 Practical Wireless XXXIV. 58/2 (Advt.), Uses only one small 8d. penlight battery. 1962 E. Ambler Light of Day x. 210 Miller had a pen-light in his hand and was looking at his watch. 1969 New Yorker 12 Apr. 78/2 There are pockets in unlikely places, such as at the ankles and shoulders, for things like scissors, penlights, and checklists. 1971 D. Bagley Freedom Trap ix. 206, I took out a pen-light and risked a flash. 1972 J. Hurtt et al. Compr. Rev. Orthoptics & Ocular Motility xviii. 182 The patient is instructed to fixate a wall light at 20 feet while a penlight is held directly in front of his nose. 1977 ‘E. McBain’ Long Time no See ii. 18 Carella took a small pen⁓light from his coat pocket and flashed it over the mail⁓boxes. |