noun. A game of skill, especially among lumberjacks, in which two competitors try to balance on a floating log while spinning it with their feet.

noun. A drinking-match.

noun. Same as birlin.

verb. Present participle of birl.

noun. rotating a log rapidly in the water (as a competitive sport)

"Contests were based on the ability to balance on a floating log and spinning it with one’s feet, while throwing off an opponent a skill known as birling, or logrolling."

spin  twirl  twist  twisting  whirl  

birl