Curl \curl\ (kûrl), n. [Akin to D. krul, Dan. krölle. See curl, v. ] 1. A ringlet, especially of hair; anything of a spiral or winding form

Under a coronet, his flowing hair In curls on either cheek played. --Milton

If the glass of the prisms . . . be without those numberless waves or curls which usually arise from the sand holes. --Sir I. Newton

Curl \curl\ (kûrl), v. t. [imp. & p. p. curled (kûrld); p. pr. & vb. n. curling.] [Akin to D. krullen, Dan krölle, 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

   But curl their locks with bodkins and with braid --Cascoigne

2. To twist or make onto coils, as a serpent's body

   Of his tortuous train, Curled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve. --Milton

3. To deck with, or as with, curls; to ornament

   Thicker than the snaky locks That curled Meg[ae]ra --Milton Curling with metaphors a plain intention. --Herbert

4. To raise in waves or undulations; to ripple

   Seas would be pools without the brushing air To curl the waves. --Dryden

5. (Hat Making) To shape (the brim) into a curve

Curl \curl\, v. i

1. To contract or bend into curls or ringlets, as hair; to grow in curls or spirals, as a vine; to be crinkled or contorted; to have a curly appearance; as, leaves lie curled on the ground

   Thou seest it [hair] will not curl by nature --Shak

2. To move in curves, spirals, or undulations; to contract in curving outlines; to bend in a curved form; to make a curl or curls.

   "Cirling billows." --Dryden

   Then round her slender waist he curled. --Dryden

   Curling smokes from village tops are seen. --Pope

   Gayly curl the waves before each dashing prow --Byron

   He smiled a king of sickly smile, and curled up on the floor. --Bret Harte

3. To play at the game called curling. [Scot.]