Etymology: Origin uncertain; perhaps a variant of either coiling n. (although this is first attested slightly later) or curling n.¹, or perhaps (given the apparent Philadelphia localization of the patient in quot. 1754) < German quirlen to stir, to whisk, to turn quickly (1734; see note) + -ing suffix¹. Compare slightly later quirl n., quirling adj., and later quirled adj., quirl v.German quirlen is < Quirl whisk, stirring implement (Old High German dwiril ), cognate with Old English þwiril , Old Icelandic þyrill < the Germanic base of Old High German thweran , Old English geþweran (compare twirl v.¹) + the Germanic base of -el suffix¹. In quot. 1754 with reference to the same patient as in quot. 1755 at quirling adj.

Etymology: Origin uncertain; perhaps a variant of either coiling adj. or curling adj., or in quot. 1755 (given the apparent Philadelphia localization of the patient referred to) perhaps < German quirlen (see quirling n.) + -ing suffix². Compare slightly earlier quirling n. and later quirl v. and also quirl n., quirled adj.In quot. 1755 with reference to the same patient as in quot. 1754 at quirling n.