parol

noun

par·​ol ˈper-əl 

ˈpa-rəl

: word of mouth

parol adjective

Did you know?

Since the 18th century, parol has been pretty much confined to oral contracts and the realm of law. No longer is anyone likely to refer to the "sweet parols" of a paramour, as in one 16th-century work. Parol brings to mind that other legal word, parole. Both words lack any connection with law in their original form. They come from Latin parabola, which means "parable" or "speech." The Latin, in turn, is from Greek parabole, meaning "comparison." The French created two words (which we then borrowed) from parabola: parol, meaning "spoken words," and parole, for "word of honor." Originally, a parole was a prisoner of war's promise to fulfill certain conditions on consideration of his release.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French parole "speech, expression in words, word, promise" — more at parole entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Legal Definition

parol

1 of 2 noun

par·​ol ˈpar-əl 

: an oral declaration or statement

where the evidence of the gift rests in parol

—Matter of Cohn, 176 N.Y.S. 225 (1919) (dissent)

parol

2 of 2 adjective

1

: executed or made by word of mouth or by a writing not under seal

a parol agreement

2

a

: given or expressed by word of mouth : oral as distinguished from written

b

: relating to matters outside of a writing

Etymology

Anglo-French, speech, talk, from Old French parole