/ Dictionary / Index P purlin: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: pur•lin Pronunciation: (pûr'lin), [key] — n. a longitudinal member in a roof frame, usually for supporting common rafters or the like between the plate and the ridge. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. purlieu purlin plate Related Content Daily Word Quiz: apogee Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language