ˈbərl, ˈbərəl; in sense 1 usually ˈbir(ə)l verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English birlen, from Old English byrelian; akin to Old English byrele cup-bearer, Old Saxon biril basket, and perhaps to Old English beran to bear — more at bear
transitive verb
1. also birle ˈbir(ə)l, ˈbər(ə)l chiefly Scotland
a. : pour
come birl the ale, lass
b. : to ply with drink
she birled him with strong beer
2. : to revolve or cause to revolve:
a. : to cause (a floating log) to rotate by treading (as in log driving or in a logrolling contest)
b. : spin
birl a coin on the table
intransitive verb
1. chiefly Scotland : to drink in company : carouse
2. : to progress with a curved or rotary motion : spin , whirl
3. : to birl a log especially in competition
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- birl the bawbee