When a pirate says parlay what does that mean?

Answer 1

Parlay is, according to the Code of the Brethern, set down by the pirates Morgan and Bartholomew, part of the pirate's code that allows a captured party the right to be taken to a ship's captain unharmed.

If a pirate is captured by an enemy, he has the right to declare parlay, or temporary protection, until he may have an audience with the enemy captain. The term "parlay" likely comes from the French verb, "to speak" ie parler. Parlez means to speak to someone. In this case, that someone is the Captain.

At this point, he cannot be harmed. Parlay's not considered concluded until said captives and captains have completed negotiations. More specifically, until negotiations have ended - or until "negotiations have broken off".

Answer 2

A pirate's parlay is the law that pirates live by.