chaffer
1 Americannoun
verb (used without object)
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to bargain; haggle.
to chaffer over a price.
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to bandy words; chatter.
to chaffer about nothing in particular.
verb (used with object)
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to bandy (words).
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Obsolete. to trade or deal in; barter.
noun
verb
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(intr) to haggle or bargain
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to chatter, talk, or say idly; bandy (words)
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obsolete (tr) to deal in; barter
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of chaffer1
1175–1225; Middle English chaffare, derivative of chapfare trading journey, equivalent to Old English cēap trade ( see cheap) + faru journey; see fare
Origin of chaffer2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There appraisers sit with ancient scales, chaffer to the utmost kran,* seal their purchase with a solemn glass of tea.
From Time Magazine Archive
Just as on the exchanges, speculation and chaffer play here the leading role, nor are deception and swindle left out.
From Woman under socialism by Daniel De Leon
But we know that if Assyrian balm was ever for the world's chaffer it was in the days of Borso, the good Duke.
From Little Novels of Italy by Maurice Henry Hewlett
Now take block plane and chaffer off each side an inch or more up and round it off.
From Deadfalls and Snares A Book of Instruction for Trappers About These and Other Home-Made Traps by A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Round and chaffer small end the same, almost to an edge.
From Deadfalls and Snares A Book of Instruction for Trappers About These and Other Home-Made Traps by A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
