Parley

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Parley

PARLEY. As early as the sixteenth century, this term was used to mean an informal conference between military opponents to treat or discuss terms. A parley usually was requested to discuss surrender, but it also was called to arrange a truce to care for wounded men lying between the lines. It often was a means of gaining time. A parley with the Indians was known in America as a powow.

SEE ALSO Chamade.

                          revised by Mark M. Boatner

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