from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Curl \Curl\ (k[^u]rl), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Curled} (k[^u]rld);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Curling}.] [Akin to D. krullen, Dan.
kr["o]lle, dial. Sw. krulla to curl, crisp; possibly akin to
E. crook. Cf. {Curl}, n., {Cruller}.]
1. To twist or form into ringlets; to crisp, as the hair.
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But curl their locks with bodkins and with braid.
--Cascoigne.
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2. To twist or make onto coils, as a serpent's body.
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Of his tortuous train,
Curled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve.
--Milton.
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3. To deck with, or as with, curls; to ornament.
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Thicker than the snaky locks
That curledMeg[ae]ra. --Milton.
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Curling with metaphors a plain intention. --Herbert.
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4. To raise in waves or undulations; to ripple.
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Seas would be pools without the brushing air
To curl the waves. --Dryden.
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5. (Hat Making) To shape (the brim) into a curve.
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