A.Word.A.Day --birl

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birl

PRONUNCIATION:

(burl)

MEANING:

verb tr., intr.:
1. To rotate (a floating log) by running on it in place.
2. To spin or rotate.

ETYMOLOGY:

Of uncertain origin, perhaps a blend of birr and whirl.

USAGE:

"Area lumberjacks compete in events ranging from axe throwing to birling."
Robert J. Hughes; Driving Off the Beaten Path; The Wall Street Journal; May 10, 2002.

"The ball broke to him on the right of the box and he birled round in one motion to score with a fierce low shot into the opposite corner of Poom's goal."
Martin Hannan; Dobbie Arrives in Fine Style at Hibs; Scotland on Sunday (Edinburgh, Scotland); Jul 27, 2003.

See more usage examples of birl in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

I had rather take my chance that some traitors will escape detection than spread abroad a spirit of general suspicion and distrust, which accepts rumor and gossip in place of undismayed and unintimidated inquiry. -Learned Hand, jurist (1872-1961)

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