parlour

[ pahr-ler ]
/ ˈpɑr lər /

noun, adjective Chiefly British.

usage note for parlour

See -or1.

Definition for parlour (2 of 2)

parlor
[ pahr-ler ]
/ ˈpɑr lər /

noun

Older Use. a room for the reception and entertainment of visitors to one's home; living room.
a room, apartment, or building serving as a place of business for certain businesses or professions: funeral parlor; beauty parlor.
a somewhat private room in a hotel, club, or the like for relaxation, conversation, etc.; lounge.
Also called locutorium. a room in a monastery or the like where the inhabitants may converse with visitors or with each other.

adjective

advocating something, as a political view or doctrine, at a safe remove from actual involvement in or commitment to action: parlor leftism; parlor pink.
Also especially British, par·lour.

Origin of parlor

1175–1225; Middle English parlur < Anglo-French; Old French parleor, equivalent to parl(er) to speak (see parle) + -eor -or2

Example sentences from the Web for parlour

British Dictionary definitions for parlour

parlour

US parlor

/ (ˈpɑːlə) /

noun

old-fashioned a living room, esp one kept tidy for the reception of visitors
a reception room in a priest's house, convent, etc
a small room for guests away from the public rooms in an inn, club, etc
mainly US, Canadian and NZ a room or shop equipped as a place of business a billiard parlor
Caribbean a small shop, esp one selling cakes and nonalcoholic drinks
Also called: milking parlour a building equipped for the milking of cows

Word Origin for parlour

C13: from Anglo-Norman parlur, from Old French parleur room in convent for receiving guests, from parler to speak; see parley