▪ I. confab, n.
(kənˈfæb)
Colloquial shortening of confabulation; a talk together; familiar talk.
| 1701 Dial. Marphorio & Pasquin 8 I'll..enter into a Confab with you. 1763 T. Jefferson Corr. Wks. 1859 I. 189 The whole confab I will tell you, word for word. 1789 Wolcott Subj. for Painters Wks. 1812 II. 158 In close Confab the gentleman is seen. 1836 Dickens Lett. III. 4 We must have a confab about this. 1888 J. Payn Myst. Mirbridge II. iv, I saw Lady Joddrell in close confab with you. |
▪ II. conˈfab, v. colloq.
Shortening of confabulate.
| 1741 Richardson Pamela I. xxxiii, [He] said, I have been confabbing, that was his word, with Mrs. Jervis, about you. 1778 F. Burney Diary Nov., Mrs. Thrale and I were dressing, and as usual confabbing. 1795 Ibid. 18 June, You and Mr. Erskine confabbing so lovingly. c 1862 G. Meredith Lett. (1970) I. 153 Arthur is anxious to confab with Reggy. 1898 H. S. Canfield Maid of Frontier i. 19 What, Charlie, was you an' Lem confabbin about? 1948 Variety 25 Aug. 5/3 He will confab with them again. |