Translation of a word in Jean de Florette by Marcel Pagnol

[Lafiteau]

The verb 'parpel�ger' appears in Jean de Florette and Manon des sources by Marcel Pagnol, but not in French dictionaries. Apparently it is a word confined to the area around Marsailles, but what does it mean?

[jno]

would 'blink' make sense in the context?

[Lafiteau]

Possibly, in the Claude Greengrass of Heartbeat sort of sense. (ITV). It seems to be a nervous reaction of some sort. What makes you say blink?

[tearinghair]

It would be helpful to have the context, but I think it means' to flutter one's eyelashes'

[Lafiteau]

'�a c'est possible, dit Anglade, seulement, ce que vous ne savez peut-�tre pas, c'est que chez Pique-Bouffugue, il y a une source...'
Ugolin parpel�gea trois fois.
'il y avait une petit source' dit le Papet

I suppose you would say it's in the context of someone trying to pull a fast one.

[jno]

http://membres.lycos.fr/mauricegouiran/hobbies .html

[tearinghair]

I think jno's suggestion of a Claude Greengrass-type fast blinking is spot on.- same sort of excitement at something that might work to Ugolin's advantage.

[Lafiteau]

My suggestion actually, but still glad it's spot on! Thanks jno and Tearinghair for help with this. The glossary should prove useful with several more of Pagnol's to read.

[tearinghair]

Sorry Lafiteau, didn't look at names closely enough. Aren't the Pagnol books great?

[Lafiteau]

I've only just started on them. Have been reading a lot of Henri Troyat, and two separate people recommended Marcel Pagnol. One had done Jean de Florette for A level, the other, native French, just said he was great, mind you, she was selling his books at a 'vide grenier'. Love them, so far.

[dundurn]

Sorry to join in so late, but I was on holiday! Blink is fine, flicker might be better - conveys a little of the nervous tic within the context