n. & v.
n. 1 an ornamental border, esp. on a violin etc. 2 archaic the ornamental or embroidered edge of a garment.
v.tr. 1 decorate with a purfle. 2 (often foll. by with) ornament (the edge of a building). 3 beautify. purfling n.
[ ME f. OF porfil, porfiler ult. f. L filum thread ]