permit

Etymology 1

From Middle English permitten, borrowed from Middle French permettre, from Latin permittō (“give up, allow”), from per (“through”) + mittō (“send”).

verb

1. (transitive) To allow (something) to happen, to give permission for.
   Last week the decision on two points was conclusive: the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. will not permit ordination of women as ministers, but will permit their election as ruling elders, permission which makes possible a woman as moderator. 19 Dec 1930, “Presbytarians”, in Time
2. (transitive) To allow (someone) to do something; to give permission to.
   He was ultimately cleared, but during that period, Mr. Ackman said, his lawyers would not permit him to defend himself publicly. 2009, Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 17 Jan 09, p. 1
3. (intransitive) To allow for, to make something possible.
   What was left to say? Quite a lot, if only parliamentary time permitted. 3 Dec 2006, Mary Riddell, “Trident is a Weapon of Mass Destruction”, in The Observer
   For snackage there's a 1950s-themed diner plus a barbie on the terrace, weather permitting. 25 Jul 2009, John Mitchell, “Clubs Preview”, in The Guardian
4. (intransitive) To allow, to admit (of).
   per
   As an instrument of economic policy, incantation does not permit of minor doubts or scruples. 2007, Ian Jack, The Guardian, 22 Sep 07
5. (transitive, pronounced like noun) To grant formal authorization for (something).
   The Building Department permitted that project last week.
   […] they have not expanded so far federal permitting authority to site and permit transmission lines that are important for interstate commerce. 2022-09-20, Ezra Klein, quoting Jesse Jenkins, “Transcript: Ezra Klein Interviews Jesse Jenkins”, in The New York Times, →ISSN
6. (transitive, pronounced like noun) To attempt to obtain or succeed in obtaining formal authorization for (something).
   We've been busy permitting the State Street development.
7. (now archaic, rare) To hand over, resign (something to someone).

noun

1. An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal.
   A construction permit can be obtained from the town offices.
   Go over to the park office and get a permit for the #3 shelter.
   1. A learner's permit.
2. (obsolete) Formal permission.

Etymology 2

An irregular borrowing from Spanish palometa, probably from a Doric variant of Ancient Greek πηλαμύς (pēlamús, “young tuna”).

noun

1. A pompano of the species Trachinotus falcatus.