parole

English

/pəˈɹoːl/, [pə.ˈɹəʊɫ], [pə.ˈɹoʊɫ]

noun
Definitions
  • The release of a former prisoner under condition of compliance with specific terms.
  • The amount of time a former prisoner spends on limited release.
  • (archaic) A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.
  • (linguistics) Language in use, as opposed to language as a system.
  • (US) The permission for a foreigner who does not meet the technical requirements for a visa to be allowed to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
  • A watchword given only to officers of guards; distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards.
  • (legal) An oral declaration; see parol (parol).

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French parole (word, formal promise) derived from Latin parabola (comparison, later, speech, illustration, word, parable, likeness) derived from Ancient Greek παραβολή (comparison, parable).

Origin

Ancient Greek

παραβολή

Gloss

comparison, parable

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms