pourparler

noun

pour·​par·​ler ˌpu̇r-pär-ˈlā How to pronounce pourparler (audio)
: a discussion preliminary to negotiations

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from pourparler to discuss, from Old French, from pour for, before + parler to speak — more at purchase, parley

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pourparler was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near pourparler

Cite this Entry

“Pourparler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pourparler. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pourparler

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!