Inkpot: meaning, definitions and examples
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inkpot
[ ˈɪŋk.pɒt ]
writing tool
An inkpot is a small container used for holding ink, often for writing with a pen or quill. Traditionally, it was essential for writers before the advent of modern ink cartridges and pens. Inkpots can be made of various materials including glass, metal, or ceramic.
Synonyms
ink container, ink reservoir, inkwell
Examples of usage
- She dipped her quill into the inkpot.
- The dusty old inkpot sat on the desk.
- He filled the inkpot with blue ink.
- Artists often used an inkpot for their sketches.
Etymology
The word 'inkpot' combines the Old English word 'inc', which comes from the Latin 'aqua', meaning water or liquid, with the word 'pot', derived from the Latin 'pottus', referring to a container. Historically, ink was made from various organic materials, and the inkpot became a necessity for scholars and scribes in medieval times. In an era when every written word required careful preparation, the inkpot facilitated the practice of writing. As literacy spread and different writing instruments emerged, the inkpot remained an essential item for many writers until the 20th century, when fountain pens and ballpoint pens started to take precedence over traditional methods.