pirl

Meanings

Verb

• To twist or wind, especially into a cord or braid etc.
• To ripple or swirl, especially of water.
• To cause to revolve or spin.

Noun

• A ripple; a twist or curl.

Origin

• The verb is from the 16th century. Origin uncertain; related to purl, pirn, prill (OED; more at pern, preen).
• The noun was derived from the verb in the 19th century.