purler

¹

/ ˈpɜːlə /

noun

1. slang.
   something outstanding in its class

purler

²

/ ˈpɜːlə /

noun

1. informal.
   a headlong or spectacular fall (esp in the phrase come a purler )

Word History and Origins

Origin of purler¹

of unknown origin

Example Sentences

With the reserve striker Jozy Altodore having bagged a confidence-boosting purler for the USA against Honduras in midweek, while his club captain and centre-back, John O’Shea, was performing a passable imitation of a world class goal-poacher against Germany, Gus Poyet’s men will make the 328-mile trip to St Mary’s with every confidence they can add to their one-match winning streak.

From The Guardian

Having featured in all three of Everton’s Premier League matches this season and netted a sensational opening-day purler against Leicester, the 28-year-old came into Ireland’s opening Euro qualifier in fine form and scored two goals, including one beauty borne from the trademark McGeady Spin, to win all three points.

From The Guardian

I felt as though I'd come a purler over wire when I saw Baluchi Bob dropping off that bicycle.

From Project Gutenberg

One of them beggars had come up behind, and swung his gun round, and fetched him a purler on the back of his head.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the same sort of thing after all; it is of no use mounting and going on again when you see another fellow sailing away ahead, and close to the winning post, but if he has fallen too, and nothing seems to have a better chance than you have, a man who gives up the race because he has had an awkward purler is no better than a cur.'

From Project Gutenberg