Definition of parlour

The word "parlour" originated in Middle English, around the 14th century, from the Old French word "parler," meaning "to speak." In its earliest form, a parlour was a room in a nobleman or a merchant's house, used primarily as a space for hosting guests or receiving visitors for conversation (parlay) and other social occasions. As the meaning of the word evolved over time, the definition of parlour became more closely associated with the function of the room, rather than simply a space for conversation. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, parlours were often furnished as an elegant drawing room or living space, used for entertaining guests, reading, and relaxing. The term "parlour" grew less common in modern times as more specific names emerged to describe rooms with specific functions, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and study rooms. Today, the use of the word "parlour" is largely confined to specific regional or historical contexts, where it still retains some of its original meaning and connotation.