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

verb

1. tr to decorate with such a band or bands

Other Words From

• purfler noun

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

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

Example Sentences

Your crimson bodice, lady, becomes you best, and your lilac kerchief with the blue purfle——or do you choose your orange tiffany dress, and your coif and farthingale? hermione.

From Project Gutenberg

The professor cannot find the least fault for thus indulging in a friendly fall, and stigmatizes his detractors for so doing, as "prim mouthed Puritans," who may "purfle up their potato traps," and hold their tongues till the arms of the athlete are encased in lawn sleeves, and he becomes a—"Bishop."

From Project Gutenberg

He made some good instruments, but did not purfle them.

From Project Gutenberg

Milton says "to purfle—to embroider."

From Project Gutenberg

Esquires and gentlemen under the estate of a knight shall not wear cloth of a higher price than four and a half marks, they shall wear no cloth of gold nor silk nor silver, nor no manner of clothing embroidered, ring button nor brooch of gold nor of silver, nor nothing of stone nor no manner of fur; and their wives and daughters shall be of the same condition as to their vesture and apparel, without any turning-up or purfle or apparel of gold, silver nor of stone.

From Project Gutenberg