noun
- decorative borders or edgings, especially ornamental bands along the edges of musical instruments
Usage: music; craftsmanship
verb
- to decorate with ornamental borders or edging
Usage: craftsmanship; third person singular
Examples
- The violin’s purfles were made of alternating strips of ebony and maple.
- She carefully examined the purfles around the guitar’s soundhole.
- The craftsman purfles each instrument by hand using traditional techniques.
- Ornate purfles distinguished the expensive violins from cheaper models.
- He purfles the edges with mother-of-pearl inlay for a luxurious finish.
- The purfles on antique instruments often show signs of age and wear.