I. ˈpər(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Middle English
Date: 14th century
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
II. verb
Date: 1526
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
III. noun
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian purla to ripple
Date: circa 1522
1. : a purling or swirling stream or rill
2. : a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)
IV. intransitive verb
Date: 1591
1. : eddy , swirl
2. : to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream