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

Cite this Entry

“Pourparler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pourparler. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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