Webster's English Dictionary

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purl

1. purl \'p*r(-*)l\ n [obs. pirl (to twist)] 1: gold or silver thread or 
   wire for embroidering or edging  2: the intertwist of thread knotting a 
   stitch usu. along an edge 
2. purl vt 1a: to embroider with gold or silver thread  1b: to edge or 
   border with gold or silver embroidery  2: to knit in purl stitch  : to do 
   knitting in purl stitch 
3. purl n [perh. of Scand origin; akin to Norw purla to ripple] 1: a 
   purling or swirling stream or rill  2: a gentle murmur or movement (as of 
   purling water) 
4. purl vi 1: EDDY, SWIRL  2: to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a 
   purling stream