Etymology: Origin uncertain. In sense 1, apparently ultimately related to pirl v. (although this is first attested later, as also is purl v.²).It is not certain that all senses show the same word. Sense 2 may be an extended use of sense 1, as the purl edging of lace, etc. had a similar ornamental use to that of gold and silver purl; compare Cotgrave's use of both senses of the noun in his glosses for French canetille thread or cord made of twisted loops of gold or silver wire, used for bordering and embroidering and canetillé (of clothes) embroidered with such thread (see quot. 1611 at sense 2; the French words are now usually spelt cannetille and cannetillé respectively); alternatively, this sense may show a parallel semantic development from pirl v. (on account of the twist given to the tiny loops). Branches II. and III. may show transferred uses of branch I., the knitting sense perhaps arising from the tiny loops formed by the thread on the back of the fabric. The (originally Scots and northern) form pearl n.³ also occurs in senses 1, 2, and 5, and is apparently a variant of this word, but is difficult to explain; it is perhaps by association with pearl n.¹, on account of the appearance of the loops or stitches (perhaps compare also pearl v.¹ 1). However, it cannot be completely ruled out that pearl n.³ shows the original form of the word in any or all of these senses. An etymological connection with purfle n. or purfle v. seems unlikely on formal grounds, but the semantic similarity with sense 1 is interesting.

Etymology: Probably originally a sense development of pirl n. (compare the α. forms, and see discussion at pirl v.); alternatively, the word may be an independent imitative formation. Compare purl v.³ and the North Germanic verbs cited at that entry. Compare also later prill n.³

Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps a transferred use of purl n.²A connection with earlier purre n.² is unlikely on semantic grounds, as the two nouns denote different drinks.

Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps a variant of pearl n.¹ (compare forms at that entry).

Etymology: Probably < purl v.⁵ (although this is apparently first attested later). Compare later purler n.

Etymology: Imitative of the bird's call. Compare earlier pirr n.², purre n.¹

Etymology: Apparently a variant (with metathesis) of prowl v.

Etymology: Apparently < purl n.¹, and hence probably ultimately related to pirl v. Compare also earlier pearl v.¹ 1 and later pearl v.², and see discussion of these at purl n.¹

Etymology: Probably a variant of pirl v. (compare forms, and see discussion, at that entry; compare also β. forms at purl n.²). Alternatively, the word may be an independent imitative formation; compare Norwegian regional (Bergen) purla (of water) to bubble, to gush out, Swedish porla (of water) to murmur, bubble (1600). Compare later purl v.⁵

Etymology: Imitative. Compare earlier purr v.² With the forms purdle , purdly compare also purl v.⁵

Etymology: Variant of pirl v. Compare earlier purl n.⁵, and also purl v.³ With the forms purdle , purdly compare also purl v.⁴