~ 1
■ noun
1》 an instrument for writing or drawing with ink, typically consisting of a metal nib or ball, or a nylon tip, fitted into a metal or plastic holder.
↘( the ~ ) writing as an occupation.
↘an electronic device used in conjunction with a writing surface to enter commands or data into a computer.
2》 Zoology the tapering cartilaginous internal shell of a squid.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ning , ~ned ) write or compose.
Phrases
~ and ink Brit. rhyming slang a stink.
Origin
ME (orig. denoting a feather with a shar~ed quill): from OFr. ~ne , from L. ~na 'feather'.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a small enclosure in which sheep, pigs, or other farm animals are kept.
2》 a covered dock for a submarine or other warship.
3》 (in the West Indies) a farm or plantation.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ning , ~ned )
1》 put or keep in a ~.
2》 ( ~ someone up/in ) confine someone in a restricted space.
Origin
OE ~n , of unknown origin.
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~ 3
■ noun a female swan.
Origin
C16: of unknown origin.
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~ 4
■ noun N. Amer. informal short for ~itentiary (in sense 1).