GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Purl , v. t. [Contr. fr. purfile, purfle. See Purfle.] To decorate with fringe or embroidery. “Nature's cradle more enchased and purled.” 
   B. Jonson.
   
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2.       
   Purl, 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.
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   A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched withpurl and pearl.
   Sir P. Sidney.
   
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   An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work a ribbed or waved appearance.
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   Purl stitch. Same as Purl, n., 2.
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3.       
   Purl, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Purled ; p. pr. & vb. n. Purling.] [Cf. Sw. porla, and E. pur to murmur as a cat.]
   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.
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   Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills,
   Louder and louder purl the falling rills.
   Pope.
   
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   [Perh. fr. F. perler to pearl, to bead. See Pearl, v. & n.] To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
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   thin winding breath which purled up to the sky.
   Shak.
   
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4.       
   Purl, n. [See 3d Purl.]
   A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
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   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.
   
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   A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
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   [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.
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   (Zool.) A tern. [Prov. Eng.]
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