"knit with inverted stitches," 1825; earlier "embroider with gold or silver thread" (1520s), probably from Middle English pirlyng "revolving, twisting," of unknown origin. The two senses usually are taken as one word, but even this is not certain. Klein suggests a source in Italian pirolare "to twirl," from pirolo "top." As a noun, from late 14c. as "bordering, frills," 1530s as "twisted thread of gold and silver."
purl (v.2)
"flow with a murmuring sound," 1580s, imitative, perhaps from a Scandinavian language. Related: Purled; purling.
权威例句
1. Knit one ( ie make one plain stitch ), purl one.
平织一针, 反织一针.
2. The words purl out of his mouth.
话语由他咕哝咕哝地说了出来.
3. Knit one, purl one.
正一针, 倒(反)一针.
4. All female caps were decorated with purl embroidery.