also horsetrading
1.
If you describe discussions or negotiations as ~, you disapprove of them because they are unofficial and involve compromises. (BRIT mainly JOURNALISM)
...the anger and distaste many people feel at the political ~ involved in forming a government.
N-UNCOUNT disapproval
2.
When negotiation or bargaining is forceful and shows clever and careful judgment, you can describe it as ~. (AM)
N-UNCOUNT