Dictionary-Definition.com :: PURL definition

Definition of 'purl'

noun

Gold or silver wire thread

noun

A basic knitting stitch [syn: purl, purl stitch]

verb

Flow in a circular current, of liquids [syn: eddy, purl, whirlpool, swirl, whirl]

verb

Make a murmuring sound; "the water was purling" [syn: sough, purl]

verb

Knit with a purl stitch

verb

Edge or border with gold or silver embroidery

verb

Embroider with gold or silver thread

From: GCIDE

Purl \Purl\, v. t. [Contr. fr. purfile, purfle. See Purfle.] To decorate with fringe or embroidery. "Nature's cradle more enchased and purled." --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

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. [1913 Webster]
A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched withpurl and pearl. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]
2. An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work a ribbed or waved appearance. [1913 Webster]
Purl stitch. Same as Purl, n., 2. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Purl \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. [1913 Webster]
Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills, Louder and louder purl the falling rills. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. [Perh. fr. F. perler to pearl, to bead. See Pearl, v. & n.] To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle. [1913 Webster]
thin winding breath which purled up to the sky. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Purl \Purl\, n. [See 3d Purl.]
1. A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
2. A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
4. (Zool.) A tern. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]