bargain

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something bought for less than its usual price; a good deal.

   This coat was a real bargain in the sale.

2. 2
   noun

   An agreement between people about what each one will do or give.

   We made a bargain: I cook and you wash the dishes.

3. 3
   verb

   To discuss the price or terms of something to get a better deal.

   We bargained with the seller until he lowered the price.

From Middle English bargaynen (“to bargain, make a pledge for sale”), from Old French bargaigner (“to bargain”), from Frankish *borganjan (“to borrow, lend”), from Proto-Germanic *burgijaną (“to borrow, lend”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰergʰ- (“to protect, secure”). Akin to Old High German boragēn, borgēn (“to look after, care for”) (German borgen), Old English borgian (“to borrow, lend, pledge”). More at borrow. Compare French barguigner and Portuguese barganhar.

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