stencil

Meaning

Noun

1. A thin sheet, either perforated or using some other technique, with which a pattern may be produced upon a surface; a utensil that contains a perforated sheet.
2. A pattern produced using such a utensil.
3. A two-ply master sheet for use with a mimeograph.

Verb

To print with a stencil.

Synonyms

template

pattern

mould

insert

templet

mimeograph

design

face-mould

die

💀

bundt cake

figure

stereotype

strickle

papier-mache mold

papier-mache mould

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈstɛnsɪl/

Etymology

Likely a nominalization of Middle English stencellen (“to garnish with bright hues”), borrowed from Middle French estinceller (“to glisten”), from Old French estenceler (“to spark”), from Old French estencele (“spark”), from Vulgar Latin *stincilla, from metathesis of Latin scintilla (“spark”).
The verb is from the noun.