Par"ley (?), 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] [Military|Mil.], to beat a drum, or sound a trumpet, as a signal for holding a conference with the enemy.

© [Webster 1913].

Par"ley, v. i. [imp. & p. p. [Parleyed] (?); p. pr. & vb. n. [Parleying].]

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].

Parley (definition)