Is 'imparlance' used in modern law?

No, it is an archaic term from historical English common law and is not part of contemporary legal terminology.

What is the origin of the word 'imparlance'?

It comes from Anglo-Norman French 'emparlaunce', from Old French 'emparler' (to speak, discuss), from 'en-' + 'parler' (to speak).

Can I use 'imparlance' to mean any discussion?

Using it figuratively for 'discussion' would be highly obscure and stylistically marked. It is strongly tied to its specific historical legal meaning of a formal delay for settlement talks.

Is there a verb form, 'to imparl'?

Historically, yes ('to imparl' or 'to emparl'), meaning to hold discussions or parley, especially in a legal context. This verb is also completely obsolete.

imparlance

Extremely rare

UK/ɪmˈpɑːl(ə)ns/US/ɪmˈpɑːrləns/

Archaic / Highly specialized (Legal history)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A formal request in court proceedings for additional time, usually to seek an out-of-court settlement.

Historically, in law, it specifically refers to a continuance granted for the purpose of settling a dispute or agreeing on terms without further litigation. Figuratively, it can mean a discussion or negotiation aimed at resolving differences.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is obsolete in modern legal practice, surviving only in historical legal texts and discussions. Its core concept of 'time to discuss/parley' is derived from Anglo-Norman French.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Equally archaic in both jurisdictions. No significant contemporary distinction.

Connotations

Connotes historical legal procedure; evokes antiquated formalities.

Frequency

Effectively zero frequency in modern usage in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical analysis of English common law, which is relevant to both UK and US legal history.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

grant an imparlancepray imparlancesue out an imparlance

medium

request for imparlancetime of imparlance

weak

court imparlancelegal imparlance

Grammar

Valency Patterns

to pray imparlanceto grant [sb.] an imparlanceto have imparlance

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

parley (historical sense)truce (in discussions)

Neutral

continuanceadjournmentpostponement

Weak

delayrespite

Vocabulary

Antonyms

immediate judgmentsummary proceeding

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Only in historical or philological studies of legal terminology.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Obsolete term in law; of historical interest only.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The lawyer in the historical drama prayed an imparlance to settle the matter privately.

The 17th-century court record noted that the defendant was granted an imparlance of fifteen days to seek an accord with the plaintiff, illustrating the period's preference for dispute resolution over immediate judgment.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: IMagine a PARLEY (talk) for an ALLIANCE = IMPARL-ANCE. It's a formal talk for agreement.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS SPACE FOR NEGOTIATION

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation. Not связанный with 'imparcial' (Spanish for impartial). Not импарламент (non-existent). The closest historical concept might be отсрочка для ведения переговоров.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a synonym for 'imbalance'.
Confusing it with 'imparcial' (Spanish).
Attempting to use it in modern contexts.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the old common law, a litigant could an imparlance to gain time for negotiation.

Multiple Choice

In which context would the term 'imparlance' be most accurately used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an archaic term from historical English common law and is not part of contemporary legal terminology.
: It comes from Anglo-Norman French 'emparlaunce', from Old French 'emparler' (to speak, discuss), from 'en-' + 'parler' (to speak).
: Using it figuratively for 'discussion' would be highly obscure and stylistically marked. It is strongly tied to its specific historical legal meaning of a formal delay for settlement talks.
: Historically, yes ('to imparl' or 'to emparl'), meaning to hold discussions or parley, especially in a legal context. This verb is also completely obsolete.