I. ˈbärgə̇n, ˈbȧg- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English bargayn, from Middle French bargaigne, from Old French, from bargaignier
1. obsolete : discussion of terms of agreement : haggling
2.
a. : an agreement between parties settling what each gives or receives in a transaction between them or what course of action or policy each pursues in respect to the other
struck a bargain to sell only to each other
the two armed camps made a bargain to cease fire
b. dialect England : a piece of contract work at an agreed rate especially in mining and quarrying
3.
a. : a thing acquired by or as if by bargaining
chaffered for half an hour before acquiring his bargain
b. : an advantageous purchase : something whose value to the purchaser considerably exceeds its cost
at that price the house is a bargain
4. : a transaction, situation, or event regarded in the light of its good or bad consequences or results
make the best of a bad bargain
•
- in the bargain
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English bargaynen, from Middle French bargaignier, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English borgian to borrow — more at bury
intransitive verb
1. : to negotiate over the terms of an agreement or contract : haggle especially over a purchase price
nosegays bought from the urchins who bargained on the carriage roads — Jean Stafford
bargained for the use of the property
considered the possibility of bargaining with the enemy
specifically : to engage in collective bargaining
ask that both management and labor bargain in good faith
2. : to agree to certain terms or conditions : come to terms
bargained on setting me ashore tonight
transitive verb
1.
a. : to bring (a price) to a desired level by bargaining
bargain the price of meat down
b. : to sell or dispose of by bargaining
bargain his services to the highest bidder — Springfield (Massachusetts) Daily News
: barter , trade
bargain one horse for another
c. : to resolve or settle (as differences) by bargaining
bargained out the remaining obstacles to an agreement
d. : to bring (a party) to a specific agreement by bargaining
tried … to bargain Britain out of her share of this region — R.W.Van Alstyne
2. : to give assurances or make a commitment : pledge — usually used with clause as object
I couldn't bargain that my mind should remain suggestive at that age — O.W.Holmes †1935
I bargain that he'll be there on time
•
- bargain for
- bargain on