Thirl

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /θɝl/
• RP IPA: /θɜːl/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)l

Alternative forms

• thurl

From Middle English thirl, thiril, from Old English þyrel ("a hole made through anything, opening, aperture, orifice, perforation"), from Proto-Germanic *þurhilą ("hole, opening"), equivalent to through + -le. Related to thrill, drill.

Full definition of thirl

Noun

1. (archaic or dialectal) A hole, aperture, especially a nostril.

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

Verb

1. To pierce, perforate, penetrate.
2. (obsolete) To drill or bore.

Derived terms

• nostril
• thirlable
• thrill

Origin uncertain. Perhaps a throwhurl.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To throw (a projectile).
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.8:And many Authours doe in this manner wound the protection of their cause, by over-rashly running against that which they take hold-of, thirling such darts at their enemies, that might with much more advantage be cast at them.