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(), n.A fringe or border. [Obs.] -- v. t.To fringe; to border. [Obs.] See Purl. Pearl stitch. See Purl stitch, under Purl. Pearl n.[OE. perle, F. perle, LL. perla, perula, probably fr. (assumed) L. pirulo, dim. of L. pirum a pear. See Pear, and cf. Purl to mantle.] 1. (Zol.) A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Pearls which are round, or nearly round, and of fine luster, are highly esteemed as jewels, and compare in value with the precious stones. 2. Hence, figuratively, something resembling a pearl; something very precious. I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl. Shak. And those pearls of dew she wears. Milton. 3. Nacre, or mother-of-pearl. 4. (Zol.) A fish allied to the turbot; the brill. 5. (Zol.) A light-colored tern. 6. (Zol Pearl (), a.Of or pertaining to pearl or pearls; made of pearls, or of mother-of-pearl. Pearl v. t. 1. To set or adorn with pearls, or with mother-of-pearl. Used also figuratively. 2. To cause to resemble pearls; to make into small round grains; as, to pearl barley. Pearl v. i. 1. To resemble pearl or pearls. 2. To give or hunt for pearls; as, to go pearling. スポンサード リンク
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