Parley
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.
We yield on parley, but are stormed in
vain. Dryden.
To beat a parley (Mil.), to beat a
drum, or sound a trumpet, as a signal for holding a conference with
the enemy.
parley , v. i. (imp. p. pr. 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.
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