| Parley | 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 ]
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| Parley | 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 ] |
