From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Parley \Par"ley\, n.; pl. {Parleys}. [F. parler speech, talk,
fr. parler to speak, LL. parabolare, fr. L. parabola a
comparison, parable, in LL., a word. See {Parable}, and cf.
{Parliament}, {Parlor}.]
Mutual discourse or conversation; discussion; hence, an oral
conference with an enemy, as with regard to a truce.
[1913 Webster]
We yield on parley, but are stormed in vain. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
{To beat a parley} (Mil.), to beat a drum, or sound a
trumpet, as a signal for holding a conference with the
enemy.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Parley \Par"ley\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Parleyed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Parleying}.]
To speak with another; to confer on some point of mutual
concern; to discuss orally; hence, specifically, to confer
orally with an enemy; to treat with him by words, as on an
exchange of prisoners, an armistice, or terms of peace.
[1913 Webster]
They are at hand,
To parley or to fight; therefore prepare. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
parley
n 1: a negotiation between enemies
v 1: discuss, as between enemies
|