purls

Noun (1)

purl (plural purls)

1. A particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back.
2. The edge of lace trimmed with loops.
3. 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 with purl and pearl.a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the folio)”, in [Fulke Greville; Matthew Gwinne; John Florio], editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London...

Noun (2)

purl (plural purls)

1. a heavy or headlong fall; an upset.

Noun (3)

purl (plural purls)

1. (UK, dialectal) A circle made by the motion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
   • Caiſters ſiluer Lake, / […] / VVhoſe ſtreame an eaſie breath doth ſeeme to blovve; / VVhich on the ſparkling grauell runns in purles, / As though the vvaues had been of ſiluer curles.[1596], Michaell Drayton [i.e., Michael Drayton], Mortimeriados. The Lamentable Ciuell Warres of Edward the Second and the Barrons, London: […] I. R. for Humfry Lownes, […], →OCLC, signature Q, recto
2. (UK, dialectal) A gentle murmuring sound, such as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions.
   • the purl of a brook

See all 13 meanings of purl