parlour

[ pahr-ler ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. parlor.

parlour

/ ˈpɑːlə /

noun

1. old-fashioned.
   a living room, esp one kept tidy for the reception of visitors
2. a reception room in a priest's house, convent, etc
3. a small room for guests away from the public rooms in an inn, club, etc
4. a room or shop equipped as a place of business

   a billiard parlor

5. a small shop, esp one selling cakes and nonalcoholic drinks
6. Also calledmilking parlour a building equipped for the milking of cows

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parlour¹

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

Example Sentences

The Lost PaintingBy Jonathan Harr Not all of us have lost paintings by Caravaggio in our parlour.

From The Daily Beast

The wind is howling, and the rain is pelting against the parlour windows of the Banking-house, whose blinds are drawn close down.

From Project Gutenberg

He just got a good holt–a shore enough diamond hitch–on that thirst-parlour dawg, and chawed.

From Project Gutenberg

On his return he introduced them on the Midland, both the parlour car and the sleeper.

From Project Gutenberg

Like the cobbler's stall in the old song, it served the present occupants for "kitchen and parlour and all."

From Project Gutenberg

But English suburban parlour-maids are on their guard against smiles, no matter how engaging.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drawing room
• parlor
• salon
• sitting room