parley

¹

[ pahr-lee ]

noun

, plural par·leys.

1. a discussion or conference.

   Synonyms: conversation, talk

2. an informal conference between enemies under a truce, especially to discuss terms, conditions of surrender, etc.

verb (used without object)

, par·leyed, par·ley·ing.

1. to hold an informal conference with an enemy under a truce, as between active hostilities.
2. to speak, talk, or confer.

   Synonyms: converse, discuss

Parley

²

[ pahr-lee ]

noun

1. Peter, pen name of Samuel Griswald Goodrich.

parley

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

noun

1. a discussion, esp between enemies under a truce to decide terms of surrender, etc

verb

1. intr to discuss, esp with an enemy under a truce
2. tr to speak (a foreign language)

Derived Forms

• ˈparleyer, noun

Other Words From

• parley·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parley¹

1400–50; late Middle English parlai < Middle French parlee, noun use of feminine of parle, past participle of parler to parle

Word History and Origins

Origin of parley¹

C16: from French, from parler to talk, from Medieval Latin parabolāre, from Late Latin parabola speech, parable

Example Sentences

I’m a tried-and-true Chaco advocate, but on this trip I liked the Parley, because it added a layer of protection from the sun for my feet.

From Outside Online

Not that the Colombian parley was ever going to be easy diplomacy.

From The Daily Beast

Before he could shut the door, however, the doctor had passed into the parlour, without a word of parley.

From Project Gutenberg

Essex consenting to a parley, Tirlogh supposed that he had gained his point, and insisted on Sorley being a party.

From Project Gutenberg

After some parley Essex handed him a protection under the Great Seal for himself and all his followers for twenty days.

From Project Gutenberg

In the time-eaten wall Clara had found a fissure through which she could watch the parley between Thurstane and the Apaches.

From Project Gutenberg

After some parley these were accepted, but under the circumstances the Emperor felt that mildness must be seasoned by menace.

From Project Gutenberg