parlay
[ pahr-ley, -lee ]
/ ˈpɑr leɪ, -li /
verb (used with object)
to bet or gamble (an original amount and its winnings) on a subsequent race, contest, etc.
Informal.
to use (one's money, talent, or other assets) to achieve a desired objective, as spectacular wealth or success: He parlayed a modest inheritance into a fortune.
noun
a bet of an original sum and the subsequent winnings.
Origin of parlay
1820–30,
Americanism; alteration of earlier
paroli < French < Neapolitan Italian, plural of
parolo, perhaps derivative of
paro equal < Latin
pār; see
pair
Words nearby parlay
parl.,
parl. proc.,
parlance,
parlando,
parlary,
parlay,
parle,
parlement,
parley,
parleyvoo,
parliament
Example sentences from the Web for parlayed
British Dictionary definitions for parlayed
parlay
/ (ˈpɑːlɪ) US and Canadian /
verb (tr)
to stake (winnings from one bet) on a subsequent wager
Brit equivalent: double up
to exploit (one's talent) to achieve worldly success
noun
a bet in which winnings from one wager are staked on another, or a series of such bets
Word Origin for parlay
C19: variant of
paroli, via French from Neapolitan Italian
parolo, from
paro a pair, from Latin
pār equal,
par