purl

Definition

A particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back.

Etymology

Unknown; apparently related to Scots and dialect pirl (“twist, ripple, whirl, spin”), and possibly to Older Scots pyrl ("thrust or poke at"). Compare Venetan pirlo, an embellishment where the woven threads are twisted together. May be unrelated to purfle, though the meanings are similar.

Example Sentences

• "A triumphant chariot made of carnation velvet, enriched with purl and pearl."