parley

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːli/

noun (plural parleys)

  • a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice: a parley is in progress and the invaders may withdraw

verb (parleys, parleying, parleyed)

[no object]
  • hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms: they disagreed over whether to parley with the enemy

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting speech or debate): perhaps from Old French parlee 'spoken', feminine past participle of the verb parler