E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pur’lieu (2 syl.).
French, pourallé lieu (a place free from the forest laws). Henry II., Richard I., and John made certain lands forest lands; Henry III. allowed certain portions all round to be severed. These “rues,” or forest borders were freed from that servitude which was laid on the royal forests. The
“perambulation” by which this was effected was technically called pourallée.
