I. ˈpərfəl, ˈpə̄f-, ˈpəif- transitive verb
( purfled ; purfled ; purfling -f(ə)liŋ ; purfles )
Etymology: Middle English purfilen, from Middle French porfiler to interweave, border, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin profilare, from Latin pro- forward + Late Latin filare to spin — more at pro- , file
1. : to ornament the border of : trim the edge or edges of
2. : to decorate with embroidery : ornament with metallic threads, jewels, or fur
a goodly lady clad in scarlet red purfled with gold and pearl of rich assay — Edmund Spenser
: to ornament (as cabinetwork) with tracery, inlay, or similar treatment especially around the edges
purfle a violin body
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English porfil, purfil, from Middle French porfil, from porfiler to border
1. : a decorated border ; especially : an embroidered edge of a garment
2. : a heraldic border (as of fur)