A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1548
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Purll, n. (Uncertain: ? cf. e.m.E. pirl v. to twist (thread, fibre, hair) into cord (c 1500), mod. Sc. pirl a twist or curl (Jam.), mod. Sc. pirlie-skinned (of an animal) having a crisp, curling coat (Jam.).) — 1548 Stirling Ant. IV 219.
A black cow, broun-backit, with a purll on hir
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"Purll n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/purll>
