parley Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a negotiation between enemies
  2. verb discuss, as between enemies

WordNet

Par"ley noun
Etymology
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.
Wordforms
plural Parleys
Definitions
  1. Mutual discourse or conversation; discussion; hence, an oral conference with an enemy, as with regard to a truce.
    We yield on parley, but are stormed in vain. Dryden.
Par"ley intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Parleyed ; present participle & verbal noun Parleying
Definitions
  1. 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.
    They are at hand, To parley or to fight; therefore prepare. Shak.

Webster 1913