parly
Definition
- Noun (slang):
- Abbreviation: "Parly" is a slang abbreviation for "parliamentary train," a historical term in British English referring to a train service required by law to run at least once a day at a fare of one penny per mile. This usage is now largely obsolete.
- Context: It appears primarily in historical or railway contexts, often noted in dictionaries as a colloquial shortening.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The old railway timetable mentions a "parly" running from London to Brighton. (A reference to a parliamentary train service.)
- He collected vintage tickets for the "parly" trains of the 19th century. (Referring to the specific type of train.)
Advanced Usage
- Historical note: The term "parly" is rarely used in modern English. It survives mainly in specialized historical discussions or in dialectal or nostalgic references. It should not be confused with "parley" (a discussion, especially between enemies).
Variants and Related Words
- Parliamentary (adj): relating to a parliament or, in this context, to the parliamentary train system.
- The parliamentary train service was established by an act of Parliament. (The train was mandated by law.)
Synonyms
- Parliamentary train: the full form of the term.
- Penny train: another informal name for such a service, referencing the low fare.
Related Idioms
- None specific to "parly" as an isolated word. However, in railway slang, "parly" may appear in fixed phrases like "parly train" or "parly service."
Notes for Language Learners
- Current usage: "Parly" is almost extinct in everyday speech. You are more likely to encounter it in historical texts, railway enthusiast forums, or dialect dictionaries. It is not a common word for general conversation.
- Avoid confusion: Do not confuse this with "parley" (a verb meaning to discuss) or "parly" as a misspelling of "party" (a social gathering).