1. n. & v.
--n. soil consisting of clay and lime, with fertilizing properties.
--v.tr. apply marl to (the ground).
Derivatives:
marly adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF marle f. med.L margila f. L marga 2. n.1 a mottled yarn of differently coloured threads.
2 the fabric made from this.
Etymology: shortening of marbled: see MARBLE