Purl — Defs

01 v. t. To decorate with fringe or embroidery.

02 n. An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.

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.

Phrases & compounds

Purl stitch — Same as Purl, n., 2.

03 v. i. 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…

imp. & p. p. Purled; p. pr. & vb. n. Purling

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.
To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
“thin winding breath which purled up to the sky.” — Shak.

04 n. A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.

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.
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.
4.
A tern.(Zool.) [Prov. Eng.]