Parley
/ˈpɑːr.li/noun
A conference or discussion, especially between enemies or opposing sides.
Did you know?Parley entered English through French from a Latin verb meaning “to speak,” and its history shows how language can turn a simple conversation into a formal ritual of negotiation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
parabolāre
“to speak, talk”
Old French
Old French
parler
“to speak”
Middle English
English
parleyen
“to converse or negotiate”
16th Century
English
parley
“a conference or discussion, often between enemies”
Modern English
English
parley
“a formal discussion or negotiation”
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