Emily Dickinson Lexicon

parlor (-s), n. [ME parlur < AFr < OFr < medieval L. parlāre, to speak.] (webplay: distinct, house, room, speak).

1. Room; hall; showroom; place for receiving guests.
2. Mortuary; chamber where a body is kept for viewing after death and prior to burial; [fig.] casket; tomb; grave; burial vault.