Whirl, n. [Cf. Dan. hvirvel, Sw. hvirfvel, Icel. hvirfill the crown of the head, G. wirbel whirl, crown of the head, D. wervel. See Whirl, v. t.]
1. A turning with rapidity or velocity; rapid rotation or circumvolution; quick gyration; rapid or confusing motion; as, the whirl of a top; the whirl of a wheel. “In no breathless whirl.” J. H. Newman.
The rapid... whirl of things here below interrupt not the inviolable rest and calmness of the noble beings above. South.
2. Anything that moves with a whirling motion.
He saw Falmouth under gray, iron skies, and whirls of March dust. Carlyle.
3. A revolving hook used in twisting, as the hooked spindle of a rope machine, to which the threads to be twisted are attached.
4. (Bot. & Zoöl.) A whorl. See Whorl.