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Parole

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means the conditional release of a prisoner

Where does the word "parole" come from? It comes from Late Latin parabola, passing through Old French before entering English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
parabola
Late Latin · ancient
"speech, comparison"
from Greek 'parabolē'
2
Stage 2 of 3
parole
Old French · medieval
"word, promise"
a prisoner of war's word of honour not to escape
3
Stage 3 of 3
parole
English · 1610s
"word of honour"
criminal 'parole' dates from the 1900s in the US
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Read the full story

Parole’s story begins in Late Latin: parabola meant “speech, comparison.” From Greek 'parabolē'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parole. A prisoner of war's word of honour not to escape. It reached English by 1610s as parole. Criminal 'parole' dates from the 1900s in the US. Today, parole means the conditional release of a prisoner.