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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. tr to decorate with such a band or bands
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • purfler noun
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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
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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
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Example Sentences

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

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