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What is the origin of the word parlor, as in an old fashioned sitting room? I suspect it's French, but I'm missing a step to get to the meaning.

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dictionary.reference.com/browse/parlor - just scroll down the page a bit. – MT_Head Jun 6 '11 at 0:02
Thanks, should have thought of that :) – Elizabite Jun 6 '11 at 0:12
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Not to worry; I was starting to type an answer (and Googling for a citation to back myself up) when I realized that I'd just be re-stating what was already there. So I figured I'd make it a comment instead. – MT_Head Jun 6 '11 at 0:15

1 Answer

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The etymology is here:

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

It is actually from French.
What's more, it was taken from the word "parler," to speak, which is quite fitting for a room in which you hosted your guests!

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Thank you! That does add up, doesn't it? – Elizabite Jun 6 '11 at 1:01
And from the same French word "parler," we also get the word "Parliament" – Tory May 13 at 13:54

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