Parley — Defs

01 n. Mutual discourse or conversation; discussion; hence, an oral conference with an enemy, as with regard to a truce.

pl. Parleys ((#))

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.

Phrases & compounds

To beat a parley — to beat a drum, or sound a trumpet, as a signal for holding a conference with the enemy.

02 v. i. To speak with another; to confer on some point of mutual concern; to discuss orally; hence, specifically, to confer orally with an enemy; t…

imp. & p. p. Parleyed; p. pr. & vb. n. Parleying

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.