palter Hear it!

palter definition

pal·ter (pôltər)

intransitive verb

  1. to talk or act insincerely; prevaricate
  2. to deal with facts, decisions, etc. lightly or carelessly; trifle
  3. to quibble, as in bargaining

Etymology: freq. formation < dial. palt, rag, piece of cloth (< a LowG source): orig. ? with reference to haggling over cloth prices

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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