purfle

[ pur-fuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, pur·fled, pur·fling.

1. to finish with an ornamental border.
2. to decorate (a shrine or tabernacle) with architectural forms in miniature.

noun

1. Also called purfling. an ornamental border, as the inlaid border near the outer edge of the table and back of a stringed instrument.

purfle

/ ˈpɜːfəl /

noun

1. a ruffled or curved ornamental band, as on clothing, furniture, etc

verb

1. tr to decorate with such a band or bands

Other Words From

• purfler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of purfle¹

1275–1325; Middle English purfilen < Middle French porfiler to make or adorn a border, equivalent to por- pro ¹ + filer to spin, derivative of fil thread < Latin fīlum. See profile

Word History and Origins

Origin of purfle¹

C14: from Old French purfiler to decorate with a border, from filer to spin, from fil thread, from Latin fīlum

Example Sentences

Hast aught plotting in the hem of thy purfle, or in thy holiday ruff and fardingale?

From Project Gutenberg