Parlour
/ˈpɑːr.lər/noun
A room in a house for receiving and entertaining guests, or a business room for a specific service.
Did you know?Parlour comes from the same Latin root as “parley” and “parliament,” all tied to speaking — a reminder that words once had the power to negotiate, govern, and even restrain silence.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
parabolare
“to talk, speak”
Old French
Old French
parolier / parler
“to speak, converse”
Middle English
Middle English
parlor / parlour
“a room for conversation; a place where guests are received”
Modern English
English
parlour
“a reception room or a room used for a specific service”
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