n. & v.
--n.
1. a goods etc. wrapped up in a single package. b a bundle of things wrapped up, usu. in paper.
2 a piece of land, esp. as part of an estate.
3 a quantity dealt with in one commercial transaction.
4 archaic part.
--v.tr. (parcelled, parcelling; US parceled, parceling)
1. (foll. by up) wrap as a parcel.
2 (foll. by out) divide into portions.
3 cover (rope) with strips of canvas.
Phrases and idioms:
parcel post the branch of the postal service dealing with parcels.
Etymology: ME f. OF parcelle ult. f. L particula (as PART)