pearled

1. 1
   verb

   Simple past and past participle of pearl.

   Condensation pearled on the cold glass as soon as she set it on the table.

   The seamstress pearled the bodice of the wedding gown with dozens of tiny pearls.

   Note

   One spelling does double duty as simple past and past participle: condensation pearled on the glass, and the grain had been pearled. The verb underneath takes an object when someone decorates something or shapes it into small round grains, and none when droplets gather by themselves. Once the decorating is finished, the participle shades into the "adorned with pearls" adjective, which names the result rather than the act.

2. 2
   adjective

   Decorated or set with pearls.

   The bride's pearled veil caught the light as she walked down the aisle.

   Collectors prize the pearled snuffboxes that came out of the jeweler's workshop.

3. 3
   adjective

   Resembling pearls in appearance.

   Pearled drops of dew hung along the spider's web at dawn.

   The vase was finished in a pearled glaze that shifted from pink to silver in the light.

   Similarpearly, pearlescent

4. 4
   adjective

   Edged with a border of narrow lace.

   The christening gown had pearled cuffs finished in narrow lace.

   She ironed the pearled pillowcases carefully so the narrow lace along their hems would not tear.

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