Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Chamade \Cha*made\, n. [F. chamade, fr. Pg. chamada, fr. chamar
   to call, fr. L. clamare.] (Mil.)
   A signal made for a parley by beat of a drum.

         They beat the chamade, and sent us carte blanche.
                                                  --Addison.