purl1
adj.
(of a knitting stitch) made by putting the needle through the front of the stitch from right to left. Compare with
plain1 (in sense
5).
v.
knit with a purl stitch.
Etymology
C17: of uncertain origin.
purl2
v.
(of a stream or river) flow with a swirling motion and babbling sound.
n.
a motion or sound of this kind.
Etymology
C16 (denoting a small swirling stream): prob. imitative.
