Word Study
Furl
CIDE DICTIONARY
Furl, v. t. [Contr. fr. furdle, fr. fardel bundle: cf. F. ferler to furl, OF. fardeler to pack. See Furdle, Fardel, and cf. Farl.].
To draw up or gather into close compass; to wrap or roll, as a sail, close to the yard, stay, or mast, or, as a flag, close to or around its staff, securing it there by a gasket or line. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Furl, v.
1 tr. roll up and secure (a sail, umbrella, flag, etc.).
2 intr. become furled.
3 tr. a close (a fan). b fold up (wings). c draw away (a curtain). d relinquish (hopes).
1 tr. roll up and secure (a sail, umbrella, flag, etc.).
2 intr. become furled.
3 tr. a close (a fan). b fold up (wings). c draw away (a curtain). d relinquish (hopes).
Derivative
furlable adj.
Etymology
F ferler f. OF fer(m) FIRM(1) + lier bind f. L ligare
ROGET THESAURUS
Furl
Rotation
VB rotate, roll along, revolve, spin, turn round, circumvolve, circulate, gyre, gyrate, wheel, whirl, pirouette, twirl, trundle, troll, bowl, roll up, furl, wallow, welter, box the compass, spin like a top, spin like a teetotum, spin out.For further exploring for "Furl" in Webster Dictionary Online