The English Harrarp's (2001) does not have the word BURL. The Canadian Oxford states that a Burl comes from old French "Bourle". I wonder what the French woodturners are using today to depict a flattened knotty growth (burl) on a tree.
I think the English call a burl a "burr"
As Churchill said of the US and England, "two countries divided by a common language"
Burr appears to be the standardized word? The problem is in the metal industries the word "burr" denotes rough edge left on cut or punched metal. Removing of the rough edge is done with a de-burring tool or machine. The word "burr and de-burring" is commonly used in metal machining and stamping drawings made in the UK. That why I am not too amenable to use "burr" as the standardized word.
So are the naughty growths on women the reason we have "bourlesque" shows? Bwahahahaha...
...Kevin
Hello Adrien,
I have always loved that quote : ) but I believe it was George Bernard Shaw who is credited with it. He had some other classics too..
David Peebles Lyons, Ohio Revolutions Woodturning
Hi Denis,
the French name is "loupe". "loupe" is already described in the French academy dictionnary (1798) as an excrescence (not limited to trees) Sometimes, when the burl is caused by the successive trimming of branches (for example in plane), it is called "boule" (ball). I've never heard the word "bourle", but it is very close from "bourrelet" (draught in UK eng, draft in US !), so it's quite possible. hth,
Pascal Grenoble, France
I am glad to find out that the word "Loupe" is in use in France to describe a burl. I wonder if the International French community is making use of the same word? The word "Loupe" reminds me of "Loupé". Manqué, raté. Un examen loupé. C'est fichu, complètement loupé. Ref. Robert
Denis Rothesay, New Brunswick
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.