purlman

A man who sold purl to the sailors on board ve els in the Thames. purl (1), v . t . & i. [A contract. of purfle (q. v.).] A. Trans.: To form an embroidered edging on; to decorate with fringe or embroidery. *B. In trans.: To embroider. "Shall he spend his time in pinning, painting, purling, and perfuming as you do?"-Beaum, & Flet.: Love's Cure, 1. 2.