I can't find any hint on the web that inkscape can copy the formatting of a graphic object (fill, line parameters). Like the paintbrush function in Microsoft Office apps. Is there such a function?

Uummm....the only thing I know that would fit that description, would be Paste Style (Edit menu or key shortcut, whatever it is). Select an object, Copy it, then do Paste Style.

Hi

Like brynn said;
Select object with wanted style - Do a CopyCTRL C
Then, Select object you would like to have this style - Do a Paste StyleCTRL+SHIFT+V.

RGDS
Ragnar

Thank you, Brynn, Ragstian. I found this in the online HTML manual under the copying/pasting/deleting of objects (somewhere I did not think to look for formatting things). Hopefully, the existence of this thread will be useful to those from a Windows background, who will likely be searching for copying of formatting rather than copying of styles.