Category:Purl

Purl, v. t. Etym: [contr. fr. purfile, purfle. See purfle.]

Defn: to decorate with fringe or embroidery. "nature's cradle more Enchased and purled." B. Jonson.

Purl 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.

Purl Purl, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Purled; p. pr. & vb. n. Purling.] Etym: [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. Etym: [perh. fr. F. perler to pearl, to bead. See pearl, v. & n.]

Defn: to rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to Mantle. Thin winding breath which purled up to the sky. Shak.

Purl Purl, n. Etym: [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. Etym: [perh. from f.perler, v. See purl to mantle.]

Defn: 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. (zoöl.)

Defn: a tern. [prov. Eng.]