Word Direct Answers

What does "purl" mean?

Purl: 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 .

Additional senses

  1. 2.An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work a ribbed or waved appearance. Purl stitch. Same as Purl, n., 2.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.Etym: [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.
  4. 5.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.
  5. 6.A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
  6. 7.Etym: [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.
  7. 8.(Zoöl.) A tern. [Prov. Eng.]

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