chaffer

¹ American  

[chaf-er] / ˈtʃæf ər /

noun

1. bargaining; haggling.

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verb (used without object)

1. to bargain; haggle.

   to chaffer over a price.

2. to bandy words; chatter.

   to chaffer about nothing in particular.

verb (used with object)

1. to bandy (words).

2. Obsolete. to trade or deal in; barter.

chaffer ² American  

[chaf-er] / ˈtʃæf ər /

noun

1. a person who chaffs or banters.

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chaffer British  

/ ˈtʃæfə /

verb

1. (intr) to haggle or bargain

2. to chatter, talk, or say idly; bandy (words)

3. obsolete (tr) to deal in; barter

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noun

1. haggling or bargaining

Other Word Forms

• chafferer noun

Etymology

Origin of chaffer¹

1175–1225; Middle English chaffare, derivative of chapfare trading journey, equivalent to Old English cēap trade ( cheap ) + faru journey; fare

Origin of chaffer²

First recorded in 1850–55; chaff ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

There appraisers sit with ancient scales, chaffer to the utmost kran,* seal their purchase with a solemn glass of tea.

From Time Magazine Archive

A board the same thickness, 30 inches long, 3 1/2 inches wide, taper down 2 1/8 small end round chaffer.

From Deadfalls and Snares A Book of Instruction for Trappers About These and Other Home-Made Traps by Harding, A. R. (Arthur Robert)

Sometimes a particular "lot" will attract the attention of a spectator, and he will chaffer about it for a while; but the sales do not often appear to be very brisk.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 121, November, 1867 by Various

“What do ye chaffer about?” cried Lady Lisle, in her old sharp manner.

From Robin Tremayne A Story of the Marian Persecution by Holt, Emily Sarah

To an Englishman who has not travelled in the States and become familiar with the methods employed there by business men, it seems odd that anyone should chaffer with the clerk at a ticket-office.

From A Tramp's Notebook by Roberts, Morley

Related Words

• bargain
• barter
• dicker
• quibble
• squabble
• wrangle