Dictionary entry

Curl

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Curl (kûrl), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Curled (kûrld); p. pr. & vb. n.Curling.] [Akin to D. krullen, Dan. krölle, dial. Sw. krulla to curl, crisp; possibly akin to E. crook. Cf. Curl, n., Cruller.] 1. To twist or form into ringlets; to crisp, as the hair.

But curl their locks with bodkins and with braid.

Cascoigne.

2. To twist or make onto coils, as a serpent's body.

Of his tortuous train,

Curled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve.

Milton.

3. To deck with, or as with, curls; to ornament.

Thicker than the snaky locks

That curledMegæra.

Milton.

Curling with metaphors a plain intention.

Herbert.

4. To raise in waves or undulations; to ripple.

Seas would be pools without the brushing air

To curl the waves.

Dryden.

5. (Hat Making) To shape (the brim) into a curve.