释义 |
pa·lav·er I. \pəˈlavə(r), -läv-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Portuguese palavra word, speech, from Late Latin parabola speech, parable — more at parable 1. a. : an often prolonged parley usually between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication (as between a 19th century European trader and natives of the African west coast) b. : conference, discussion < a palaver between union leaders > 2. a. : conversation: as (1) : profuse, idle, or worthless talk : chatter (2) : talk intended to deceive : misleading or beguiling speech b. : jargon 2c, 3a 3. : affair, business < that's your palaver > II. verb (palavered ; palavered ; palavering \-v(ə)riŋ\ ; palavers) intransitive verb : to use palaver: as a. : to talk profusely or needlessly b. : parley c. : to talk idly or beguilingly transitive verb 1. a. : to affect in a specified way by palavering < he palavered her into agreeing > b. : to alter the situation of by palavering < palavered himself out of the mess > 2. : to use palaver to : cajole, wheedle < alternately abused and palavered his men > |