Definition
A small, typically cylindrical or decorative container designed to hold liquid ink, historically used with quill pens or dip pens before the invention of modern ballpoint pens.
Example Usage
The antique desk had an ornate brass inkwell built into its surface for writing letters.
Origin
Compound of 'ink' and 'well,' referring to a container or reservoir for ink.
Fun Fact
Victorian-era inkwells were often highly decorative and made from materials like porcelain, glass, and metal; desk sets sometimes included matching inkwells and pen holders.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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