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 ]