noun
- graphite, especially when used in pencils or as a lubricant
Usage: somewhat archaic
verb
- to polish or treat with graphite
Usage: archaic
Examples
- The old pencil was made with blacklead rather than modern graphite.
- Miners extracted blacklead from the Cumberland deposits.
- The locksmith used blacklead to lubricate the mechanism.
- She would blacklead the stove to give it a shiny finish.
- Blacklead was once commonly used for drawing and writing.