Category:Purlieu

Pur"lieu, n. Etym: [corrupted (by influence of lieu place) fr. Of. Puralée, poralée (equiv. to ll. perambulatio a survey of boundaries, Originally, a going through); por (l. pro, confused, however, with l. Per through) + alée. See pro-, and alley.] [written also pourlieu.]

1. Originally, the ground near a royal forest, which, having been Unlawfully added to the forest, was afterwards severed from it, and Disafforested so as to remit to the former owners their rights. Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied in some purlieu two gentle Fawns at play. Milton.

2. Hence, the outer portion of any place; an adjacent district; Environs; neighborhood. "the purlieus of st. James." Brokers had been incessantly plying for custom in the purlieus of the Court. Macaulay.