Definitions For Thirl

Alternative forms

thurl

Etymology 1

from middle english thirl, thiril, from {{inh + en + ang + þyrel + + a hole made through anything, opening, aperture, orifice, perforation}}, from {{inh + en + gem-pro + *þurhilą + + hole, opening}}, from {{inh + en + ine-pro + *tr̥h₂kʷelo-}} which is *tr̥h₂kʷe + *-lo (equivalent to through + le) from *terh₂-. related to {{l + en + thrill}}, {{l + en + drill}}.

Noun

THIRL (plural THIRLs) (archaic, or, dialectal) A hole, aperture, especially a nostril. (dialectal) A low door in a dry-stone wall to allow sheep to pass through; a smoot.

Etymology 2

From Middle English thirlen, thurlen, thorlen, from {{inh, en, ang, þyrlian}}, þyrelian, , to make a hole through, pierce through, perforate; make hollow, excavate; make vain, from the noun (see above).

Verb

{{en-verb}} To pierce, perforate, penetrate. (obsolete) To drill or bore.

Derived terms

nostril thirlable thrill

Etymology 3

origin uncertain. perhaps a throw, hurl, nocap=1.

Verb

{{en-verb}} (obsolete) To throw (a projectile).

Etymology 4

Dialectal alteration of thrall.

Alternative forms

{{alter, en, thrill}}

Verb

{{en-verb}} (historical, transitive) To legally bind (a tenant) to the use of one's own property as an owner.

Related terms

thirlage

Noun

THIRL (plural THIRLs) (historical) A thrall.