Purl | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Pûrl, n.

noun

n. [Contr. fr. purfile, purfle, q. v. Cf. PURL, v. i.]

Sense 1. An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist. “A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched with purl and pearl.” Sidney.

Sense 2. An inversion of stitches in knitting, which gives to the work where it is used a ribbed or waved appearance. Halliwell.

Sense 3. A circle made by the motion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.

Whose stream an easy breath doth seem to blow, Which on the sparkling gravel runs in purls, As though the waves had been of silver curls. Drayton.

Sense 4. A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.

Sense 5. 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, boiled beer with gin, sugar, and spices added to it. “Drank a glass of purl to recover appetite.” Addison.

A group of them were gathered round a fire in a public house, drinking hot purl, and smoking pipes. Dickens.

☞ Probably so named because it purls, or mantles, in the glass. Richardson.

Pûrl, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. [imp. & p. p. PURLED; p. pr. & vb. n. PURLING.] [Sw. porla, D. borrelen.] 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. My flowery theme, A painted mistress or a purling stream. Pope. Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills, Louder and louder purl the falling rills. Pope. 2. To be elevated or raised in circles, ripples, or a wave-like appearance; to mantle, as in a glass.

Pŭrl, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. To decorate with fringe or embroidery. “Nature’s cradle more enchased and purled.” B. Jonson.