/pij"euhn hohl'/ , n. , v. , pigeonholed, pigeonholing .
n.
1. one of a series of small, open compartments, as in a desk, cabinet, or the like, used for filing or sorting papers, letters, etc.
2. a hole or recess, or one of a series of recesses, for pigeons to nest in.
3. Also called pigeon hole, white hole . Print. white space created by setting words or lines too far apart.
v.t.
4. to assign to a definite place or to definite places in some orderly system: to pigeonhole new ideas.
5. to lay aside for use or reference at some later, indefinite time: We must pigeonhole this excellent plan until the time is ripe.
6. to put aside for the present, esp. with the intention of ignoring or forgetting, often indefinitely: to pigeonhole an unwanted invitation.
7. to place in or as if in a pigeonhole or pigeonholes: to pigeonhole papers.
8. to fit or provide with pigeonholes: The desk must be pigeonholed for all my papers.
[ 1570-80; PIGEON 1 + HOLE ]
Syn. 4. categorize, catalog. 5. file. 6. postpone, shelve.