haggling
UK[ˈhæɡ.lɪŋ]US[ˈhæɡ.lɪŋ]
n
the activity of arguing about the price of something in order to reach an agreement.
verb (present participle)
arguing or bargaining persistently, especially over the price of something.
Etymology
the verb 'haggle' entered english in the late 16th century, likely from the old norse verb 'hagga', meaning 'to chop' or 'to hack'. this violent, physical sense evolved metaphorically into the notion of haggling as a verbal 'hacking away' at a price through persistent argument. the '-le' suffix is a frequentative element, indicating a repeated or prolonged action, thus painting haggling as a drawn-out process of bargaining. the modern sense retains this core idea of a protracted, often tiresome, negotiation over terms.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a verb. it is not productively formed from distinct, separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
after some friendly haggling at the market, we agreed on a fair price for the rug.
i dislike the process of haggling and prefer stores with fixed prices.
the final contract was the result of weeks of intense haggling between the two companies.