[purl] n [ME] (14c) 1: gold or silver thread or wire for embroidering or edging
2: the intertwisting of thread that knots a stitch usu. along an edge
3: purl stitch
[2]purl vt (1526) 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 ~ vi: to do knitting in purl stitch [3]purl n [perh. of Scand origin; akin to Norw purla to ripple] (ca. 1522) 1: a purling or swirling stream or rill
2: a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water) [4]purl vi (1591) 1: eddy, swirl
2: to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream