Parlay definition
Parlayed some small investments into a large fortune.
To parlay one's voice into fame.
When you win $100 at the casino and you bet that $100 and end up winning thousands, this is an example of when you parlay your winnings.
If you win $10, then bet that $10; then win $20 and bet the full $30 you have won so far, this is an example of a parlay.
Origin of parlay
- Alteration of paroli staking of double the sum staked before in faro from French from obsolete Italian probably from Italian parare to place a bet from Latin parāre to prepare pare
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- Coined ca. 1828 as a verb, used as a noun ca. 1904. From French parler (“speak").
From Wiktionary