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chaffer

noun
chaf·​fer | \ ˈcha-fÉ™r How to pronounce chaffer (audio) \

Definition of chaffer

 (Entry 1 of 2)

archaic
: a haggling about price

chaffer

verb
chaffered; chaffering\ ˈcha-​f(É™-​)riÅ‹ How to pronounce chaffering (audio) \

Definition of chaffer (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : haggle
2 British : to exchange small talk : chatter

transitive verb

1 : exchange, barter
2 : to bargain for
Other Words from chaffer Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about chaffer

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Other Words from chaffer

Verb

chafferer \ ˈcha-​fÉ™r-​É™r How to pronounce chafferer (audio) \ noun

Did You Know?

Verb

In the 1200s, the noun "chaffer" was originally used in the sense of "traffic" or "trade." This noun (also then spelled "chaffere," "cheffere," and "cheapfare") was formed as a combination of chep, meaning "trade" or "bargaining," and fare, meaning "journey." The verb "chaffer" appeared in the 1300s and originally meant "to trade, buy, and sell." Later, however, both the verb and the noun took on the senses referring to haggling and barter.

Examples of chaffer in a Sentence

Verb

 in that country you're expected to chaffer with the vendors at the bazaar just a couple of blokes chaffering at the neighborhood pub

First Known Use of chaffer

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

History and Etymology for chaffer

Noun

Middle English chaffare, from chep trade + fare journey — more at cheap entry 3, fare

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More from Merriam-Webster on chaffer

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chaffer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chaffer

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