thirl

[ thurl ]

verb (used with object)

, British Dialect.

1. to pierce.
2. to thrill.

thirl

¹

/ θɜːl; θɪrl /

verb

1. tr to enslave; bind

thirl

²

/ θɜːl /

verb

1. dialect.
   tr
   1. to bore or drill
   2. to thrill

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirl¹

before 1000; Middle English thirlen, Old English thyrlian, derivative of thyrel hole. See nostril

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirl¹

C16: variant of earlier thrill thrall

Origin of thirl²

Old English thyrelian, from thyrel hole; see nostril