Dictionary

barlafumble en · INTJ

Etymology

Uncertain. For the first element, compare barley, which bears a similar meaning as an interjection. The second element may be from French parlez, foi mêlez (“let us have a truce and blend our faith”). First attested in 1568.

Meanings

1. (Scotland, obsolete) A cry for peace or truce in children's games.
   • Quhile he cryed barlafummil, I am slane. c. 1500, Christis Kirk on the Green:
   • Greittans, lookansque grivatè, Barlafumle clamat[…] 1913 [c. 1648], William Drummond, The Poetical Works of William Drummon of Hawthornden, volume 2, Polemo-Middinia inter Vitarvam et Nebernam, page 164:
   • To fight, lest ye, when canons rumble, / With shame for fear, cry barlafumble. 1868, James Maidment, A Book of Scotish Pasquils. 1568-1715, page 140:
2. (Scotland, obsolete) A fall; the act of accidentally losing one's balance.
   • When Coach-men drinks & Horses stumble, / It's hard to miss a Barla-fumble. 1687, Samuel Colvil, Mock Poem or Whiggs supplication, Jo. Reid for Alexander Ogston:

Forms

Synonyms

pax · fainites