Stencil

in the arts, a thin sheet or plate in which letters, figures, or a pattern have been formed by cutting through the plate. By laying the stencil on a surface and applying ink, paint, or other color with a brush, the desired pattern may be transferred to the surface in question. In this way signs may be lettered, shipping directions may be printed, boxes may be labeled, and patterns as for embroidery may be transferred to fabrics. The wall decorator uses stencils in ornamenting borders of ceilings and the like. Many teachers of primary departments provide themselves with a set of stencils by means of which and large sheets of manila paper they are enabled to print interesting and fresh reading charts.