Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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.
\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\, 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. Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills, Louder and louder purl the falling rills. --Pope. 2. [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.
\Purl\, n. [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. [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. 4. (Zo["o]l.) A tern. [Prov. Eng.]