parole

Meanings

1. Originally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour.
2. Conditional release of a prisoner (now especially before the end of a custodial sentence), or the term or state of such release; the system governing such releases.
3. A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.
4. A watchword or code phrase; (military) a password given only to officers, distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards.
5. Language in use, as opposed to language as a system.
6. 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.
7. Alternative form of parol.

1. To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law.
2. To be released on parole.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French parole (“word, formal promise”), from Old French parole, from Late Latin parabola (“speech”), from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ). Doublet of parabola, parable, and palaver.