parley

²parley

noun

plural parleys

Definition of PARLEY

1

a : a conference for discussion of points in dispute b : a conference with an enemy

2

: discussion

Examples of PARLEY

1. <held a parley to debate the proposed change in the town's zoning laws>
2. <can we meet for an informal parley to see if we can effect a compromise?>

Origin of PARLEY

Middle English parlai speech, probably from Middle French parlee, from feminine of parlé, past participle of parler to speak, from Medieval Latin parabolare, from Late Latin parabola speech, parable — more at parable

First Known Use: 1580

Related to PARLEY

Synonyms: colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, forum, powwow, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, symposium

Related Words: colloquium; caucus, town meeting; assembly, conclave, congregation, congress, consistory, convention, convocation, synod; debate, deliberation; brainstorming; chat room, newsgroup

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide