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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

Ornamentation on the border of a thing; specifically, the inlaid border of a musical instrument, as a violin.

Gluing in purfling on a cello's top plate

purfling ‎(plural purflings)

(music, chiefly lutherie) Two very narrow strips of black wood enclosing a lighter-coloured strip of wood set close to the edge of the top and back of a string instrument such as a violin, cello or a guitar, following its outline. Double, painted-on and decorative patterns of purfling are also found.
The purfling on this violin is exceptionally beautiful.

purfling