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1

purl

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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 :purl stitch

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Origin and Etymology of purl

Middle English

2

purl

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

1518

3

purl

noun

Definition of purl

1 :a purling or swirling stream or rill
2 :a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)

Origin and Etymology of purl

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian purla to ripple

4

purl

verb

Definition of purl

intransitive verb
1 :eddy, swirl
2 :to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream

First Known Use of purl

circa 1586

Learn More about purl

  1. See words that rhyme with purl Spanish Central: Translation of purl Nglish: Translation of purl for Spanish speakers

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