**Etymology and History:**
– The term “parlour” has its origins in the early 13th century, derived from the Old French word ‘parloir’ meaning ‘to speak’.
– It entered the English language around the 16th century.
– Initially used in medieval Christian Europe as designated rooms in monasteries for clergy to converse.
– Adapted into domestic architecture in the early modern period.
– It became a symbol of social status in the 18th and 19th centuries.
– Experienced a decline in formal reception rooms in the 20th century.
**Commercial Enterprises:**
– Various commercial enterprises have adopted the term “parlour” in their names, including funeral parlours, beauty parlours, betting parlours, ice cream parlours, and tattoo parlours.
**Related Concepts:**
– The parlour is associated with similar spaces like the family room, massage parlour, and recreation room.
**References:**
– The information about parlours is supported by references from the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Bill Bryson’s ‘At Home: A Short History of Private Life’, Ourhouseplants on Parlour Palm Houseplant, ‘What the Crow Said’ by Robert Kroetsch, and ‘Cool to Be Kind: Random Acts and How to Commit Them’ by Val Litwin, Chris Bratseth, Brad Stokes, and Erik Hanson.
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A parlour (or parlor) is a reception room or public space. In medieval Christian Europe, the "outer parlour" was the room where the monks or nuns conducted business with those outside the monastery and the "inner parlour" was used for necessary conversation between resident members. In the English-speaking world of the 18th and 19th century, having a parlour room was evidence of social status.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Parlour:
"Parlour" typically refers to a room in a house where guests are entertained. It is often a formal sitting room where visitors can relax and socialize. In some cultures, parlours may also be used for special occasions or gatherings.