First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1purl
noun \ˈpər(-ə)l\
Definition of PURL
1
: gold or silver thread or wire for embroidering or edging
2
: the intertwisting of thread that knots a stitch usually along an edge
3
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Origin of PURL
Middle English
2purl
verb
Definition of PURL
transitive verb
1
a : to embroider with gold or silver thread b : to edge or border with gold or silver embroidery
2
: to knit in purl stitch
intransitive verb
: to do knitting in purl stitch
First Known Use of PURL
1526
3purl
noun
Definition of PURL
1
: a purling or swirling stream or rill
2
: a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)
Origin of PURL
perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian purla to ripple
First Known Use: circa 1522
4purl
verb
Definition of PURL
intransitive verb
2
: to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream
First Known Use of PURL
1591
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