parley

¹

[pahr-lee]

noun

plural

parleys 

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)

parleyed, parleying 

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)

Other Word Forms

• parleyer 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

But none of these arguments support the contention of the “Debate Me” Bros and their audience that everyone is equally qualified to parley over every topic.

From Salon

Sadat was assassinated in October 1981, a scant three years after that historic parley.

From Los Angeles Times

Optional garnishes: parley, sliced lemon and/or save a few whole shrimp to place on top when serving.

From Salon

Back at the studio the anchors vacuously nod at Nandor's escalating trumpery, as they do when The Guide wrests Joanna's microphone away to parley on behalf of all vampires.

From Salon

My dad had a never-ending parley with pirates, but I would break the cycle “Hacker!” my brother muttered behind me.

From The Verge