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parole

Pronunciation: /pəˈrəʊl/
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Definition of parole

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the temporary or permanent release of a prisoner before the expiry of a sentence, on the promise of good behaviour:he committed a burglary while on parole
  • [count noun] historical a promise or undertaking given by a prisoner of war to return to custody or act as a non-belligerent if released: I took their paroles of honour [mass noun]:a good many French officers had been living on parole in Melrose
  • 2 Linguistics the actual linguistic behaviour or performance of individuals, in contrast to the linguistic system of a community. Contrasted with langue.

verb

[with object]
  • release (a prisoner) on parole:he was paroled after serving nine months of a two-year sentence

Derivatives

parolee

Pronunciation: /-ˈliː/
noun

Origin:

late 15th century: from Old French, literally 'word', also 'formal promise', from ecclesiastical Latin parabola 'speech'; compare with parol

parole in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of parole in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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