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 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.