Purl (?), v. t. [Contr. fr. purfile, purfle. See Purfle.]
To decorate with fringe or embroidery.
"Nature's cradle more enchased and
purled."
B. Jonson.
© Webster 1913.
Purl, n.
1.
An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.
A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched withpurl and pearl.
Sir P. Sidney
.
2.
An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work a ribbed or waved appearance.
Purl stitch. Same as Purl, n., 2.
© Webster 1913.
Purl, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Purled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Purling.] [Cf. Sw. porla, and E. pur to murmur as a cat.]
1.
To run swiftly round, as a small stream flowing among stones or other obstructions; to eddy; also, to make a murmuring sound, as water does in running over or through obstructions.
Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills,
Louder and louder purl the falling rills.
Pope.
2. [Perh. fr. F. perler to pearl, to bead. See Pearl, v. & n.]
To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
thin winding breath which purled up to the sky.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Purl, n. [See 3d Purl.]
1.
A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
Whose stream an easy breath doth seem to blow,
Which on the sparkling gravel runs in purles,
As though the waves had been of silver curls.
Drayton.
2.
A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
3. [Perh. from F.perler, v. See Purl to mantle.]
Malt liquor, medicated or spiced; formerly, ale or beer in which wormwood or other bitter herbs had been infused, and which was regarded as tonic; at present, hot beer mixed with gin, sugar, and spices.
"Drank a glass of
purl to recover appetite."
Addison. "Drinking hot
purl, and smoking pipes."
Dickens.
4. Zool.
A tern.
[Prov. Eng.]
© Webster 1913.