noun
parley
PAH-lee
noun
1
A meeting to discuss terms, especially between opposing sides or enemies.
"The two warring chiefs agreed to a parley before the battle."
verb
1
To meet and talk with an opponent, usually to discuss terms of peace or surrender.
"The captain parleyed with the pirates before they boarded the ship."
How to Use Parley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA discussion between two opposing sides, often to try to end a conflict.
Common mistake
Not to be confused with "parlay," which is about betting or building on a success.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
parleyed past tense, parleys plural, parleys singular
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The two warring chiefs agreed to a _____ before the battle.
Etymology
From Old French parler, "to speak" — a distant relative of "parable" and "palaver."