Parley /(?)/

Par·ley

Parley

n.

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.

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

Parley

v. i.

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.