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.

noun

1. (with on) 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.
   He will be on parole for nearly two more years.
   He was released on parole.
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.
   The defendant shall be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
3. (now historical) A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.
   In hospital he gave his parole, and was enlarged after paying for the torn blanket. 1926, T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, New York: Anchor, published 1991, page 167
4. (now rare) A watchword or code phrase; (military) a password given only to officers, distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards.
   ‘Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.’ 1791, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Oxford, published 2008, page 1143
   […] their parole or watchword, which is orange, distinguishes them from the rebels in any action, to prevent disagreeable mistakes. 1796, John Stedman, chapter 4, in Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition,, volume 1, London: J. Johnson, page 80
5. (linguistics) Language in use, as opposed to language as a system.
6. (US, immigration law) 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. (law) Alternative form of parol

verb

1. (transitive, law) To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law.