DictionaryRoot: whirlen
Middle English

whirlen

to move in a circle

1 / 2
Wooden top spins rapidly on its tip.
verb / noun

whirl

WURL/wɜːrl/

Rapid spinning or circling movement.

Etymology

Whirlen covered circular motion as well as swift or erratic movement. The modern spinning sense preserves its central image of something moving rapidly round.

Full entry

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