purfle

American  

[pur-fuhl] / ˈpɜr fəl /

verb (used with object)

purfled, purfling

1. to finish with an ornamental border.

2. to decorate (a shrine or tabernacle) with architectural forms in miniature.

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noun

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

purfle British  

/ ˈpɜːfəl /

noun

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

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verb

1. (tr) to decorate with such a band or bands

Other Word Forms

• purfler noun

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

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 Brewer, Ebenezer Cobham

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 Mason, Eugene

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 Pearce, J. H. (Joseph Henry)

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

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 1 by Roby, John