Purl, n. [See 3d Purl.] 1. A circle made by the notion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
Whose stream an easy breath doth seem to blow,
Which on the sparkling gravel runs in purles,
As though the waves had been of silver curls. Drayton.
2. A gentle murmur, as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions; as, the purl of a brook.
3. [Perh. from F. perler, v. See Purl to mantle.] Malt liquor, medicated or spiced; formerly, ale or beer in which wormwood or other bitter herbs had been infused, and which was regarded as tonic; at present, hot beer mixed with gin, sugar, and spices. “Drank a glass of purl to recover appetite.” Addison. “Drinking hot purl, and smoking pipes.” Dickens.
4. (Zoöl.) A tern.