From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purl \Purl\, n. [See 3d Purl.]
1. 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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2. A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a
liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
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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.
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4. (Zool.) A tern. [Prov. Eng.]
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purl \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.
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A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet,
enriched withpurl and pearl. --Sir P.
Sidney.
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2. 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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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Purl \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.
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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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2. [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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