from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Parley \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.
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We yield on parley, but are stormed in vain. --Dryden.
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{To beat a parley} (Mil.), to beat a drum, or sound a
trumpet, as a signal for holding a conference with the
enemy.
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