purfle
Americanverb (used with object)
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to finish with an ornamental border.
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to decorate (a shrine or tabernacle) with architectural forms in miniature.
noun
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of purfle
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Alive or dead, Riton used them despitefully; for it was his wont to shave the beards of these kings, and purfle therewith a cloak of furs that he wore, very rich.
From Arthurian Chronicles: Roman de Brut by Eugene Mason
This toll was established because sir Crudor, with whom she was in love, refused to marry her till she had provided him with human hair sufficient to "purfle a mantle" with.
From Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
He made some good instruments, but did not purfle them.
From Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. With Essays on Important Subjects Connected with the Violin. by J. H. (Joseph Henry) Pearce
Hast aught plotting in the hem of thy purfle, or in thy holiday ruff and fardingale?
From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 1 by John Roby
Upon this broad earth, purfled with flowers, scented with odors, brilliant in colors, vocal with echoing and re-echoing melody, I take my stand against all demoralizing pleasure.
From Choice Specimens of American Literature, and Literary Reader Being Selections from the Chief American Writers by Benj. N. Martin
Item—A coat for her son, of the same satin, purfled with black velvet, and spangled with gold.
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 20, No. 577, July 7, 1827 by Various
A surcoat of peach-colored samite and a purfled doublet of vair bespoke him noble, as did his brilliant eye, his exquisitely chiselled nose, and his curling chestnut ringlets.
From Burlesques by William Makepeace Thackeray
This gorgeous-broider'd with rich sentences: That fair and purfled round with merriments.
From A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 9 by Various
Give me my kerchief, lace scarf, and green silk hood, and my petticoat with the border newly purfled.
From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 1 by John Roby
Having roughly measured the length of the piece of purfling to be inserted, he finds that it will be necessary to bend it to the curves of the groove made for it.
From The Repairing & Restoration of Violins 'The Strad' Library, No. XII. by Horace Petherick
The purfling is of whalebone, like that of most of the Dutch makers.
From The Violin Its Famous Makers and Their Imitators by George Hart
His instruments are of the flat model of Stradiuarius but have the edges larger and the purfling further from the sides.
From Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. With Essays on Important Subjects Connected with the Violin. by J. H. (Joseph Henry) Pearce
The lower end of the joint near the purfling will require a little additional cramping together.
From The Repairing & Restoration of Violins 'The Strad' Library, No. XII. by Horace Petherick
The sound holes straight and large, well cut and parallel, and double purfling.
From Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. With Essays on Important Subjects Connected with the Violin. by J. H. (Joseph Henry) Pearce
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