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Definition of parcel - 5 dictionary results

par⋅cel

  [pahr-suhl] noun, verb, -celed, -cel⋅ing or (especially British) -celled, -cel⋅ling, adverb
Use parcel in a Sentence
–noun
1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
2. a quantity or unit of something, as of a commodity for sale; lot.
3. a group, collection, or assemblage of persons or things.
4. a distinct, continuous portion or tract of land.
5. a part, portion, or fragment.
–verb (used with object)
6. to divide into or distribute in parcels or portions (usually fol. by out).
7. to make into a parcel or wrap as a parcel.
8. Nautical. to cover or wrap (a rope) with strips of canvas.
–adverb
9. Archaic. in part; partially.
Origin:
1275–1325; ME < MF parcelle < LL *particella, fresh formation for L particula; see particle, passel

Synonyms:
1. See package. 3. batch, assortment. 6. mete, apportion, deal, allot.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To parcel
par·cel   (pär'səl)   
n.  

  1. Something wrapped up or packaged; a package.

  2. A plot of land, usually a division of a larger area.

  3. A quantity of merchandise offered for sale.

  4. A group or company; a pack: "this youthful parcel of noble bachelors" (Shakespeare).

tr.v.   par·celed also par·celled, par·cel·ing also par·cel·ling, par·cels also par·cels

  1. To divide into parts and distribute: parceled out the land to their three children.

  2. To make into a parcel; package.

  3. Nautical To wind protective strips of canvas around (rope).


[Middle English, from Old French, portion, from Vulgar Latin *particella, diminutive of Latin particula, diminutive of pars, part-, part; see perə-2 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

parcel 
c.1303, "part" (sense preserved in phrase parcel of land), from O.Fr. parcelle "small piece, particle, parcel," from V.L. *particella, dim. of L. particula, dim. of pars (gen. partis) "part" (see part). Meaning "package" is first recorded c.1645. The verb meaning "to divide into small portions" is from 1584.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: par·cel
Pronunciation: 'pär-s&l
Function: noun
: a tract or plot of land
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

parcel

In addition to the idiom beginning with parcel, also see part and parcel.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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