knit or purl (6)
I believe the answer is:
stitch
'knit or purl' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for stitch that I've seen before include "Sharp spasm of pain in the side" , "Loop of thread" , "Sew with thread" , "Pain in the side brought on by exercise" , "Single loop of needlework" .)