parole

n. [ F. parole. See Parley, and cf. Parol. ] 1. A word; an oral utterance. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Word of promise; word of honor; plighted faith; especially (Mil.), promise, upon one's faith and honor, to fulfill stated conditions, as not to bear arms against one's captors, to return to custody, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

This man had forfeited his military parole. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mil.) A watchword given only to officers of guards; -- distinguished from countersign, which is given to all guards. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) Oral declaration. See 1st Parol, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The release of a prisoner from confinement prior to the end of the original sentence, conditioned on good behavior and often with other specific conditions, such as not to associate with known criminals. Such early release is common where the sentence provides a minimum and maximum term; as, he was released on parole after three years of his five-year sentence; he is out on parole. [ PJC ]

6. A document authorizing a parole{ 5 }. [ PJC ]

a. See 2d Parol. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Paroled p. pr. & vb. n. Paroling. ] (Mil. and Penology) To set at liberty on parole; as, to parole prisoners. [ 1913 Webster ]