parlor

[ pahr-ler ]

noun

1. Older Use. a room for the reception and entertainment of visitors to one's home; living room.
2. a room, apartment, or building serving as a place of business for certain businesses or professions:

   funeral parlor; beauty parlor.

3. a somewhat private room in a hotel, club, or the like for relaxation, conversation, etc.; lounge.
4. Also called locutorium. a room in a monastery or the like where the inhabitants may converse with visitors or with each other.

adjective

1. advocating something, as a political view or doctrine, at a safe remove from actual involvement in or commitment to action:

   parlor leftism; parlor pink.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parlor¹

1175–1225; Middle English parlur < Anglo-French; Old French parleor, equivalent to parl ( er ) to speak ( parle ) + -eor -or ²

Related Words

• drawing room
• living room
• lounge
• salon