Purl, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Purled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Purling.] [Cf. Sw. porla, and E. pur to murmur as a cat.] 1. To run swiftly round, as a small stream flowing among stones or other obstructions; to eddy; also, to make a murmuring sound, as water does in running over or through obstructions.
Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills,
Louder and louder purl the falling rills. Pope.
2. [Perh. fr. F. perler to pearl, to bead. See Pearl, v. & n.] To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
thin winding breath which purled up to the sky. Shak.