parol

[ puh-rohl, par-uhl ]

noun

1. something stated or declared.
2. by parol, by word of mouth; orally.

adjective

1. given by word of mouth; oral; not contained in documents:

   parol evidence.

parol

/ ˈpærəl; pəˈrəʊl /

noun

1. (formerly) the pleadings in an action when presented by word of mouth
2. an oral statement; word of mouth (now only in the phrase by parol )

adjective

1. 1. (of a contract, lease, etc) made orally or in writing but not under seal
   2. expressed or given by word of mouth

      parol evidence

Word History and Origins

Origin of parol¹

First recorded in 1470–80; earlier parole, Anglo-French, Old French, from unattested Vulgar Latin paraula, syncopated variant of unattested paravola, from Latin parabola parable; parley

Word History and Origins

Origin of parol¹

C15: from Old French parole speech; see parole

Example Sentences

In the past, war survivors have used things like electricity and water bills—called parol evidence—to corroborate their property claims.

From Slate

The arch, which was designed by artists Eliseo Art Silva and Celestino Geronimo Jr., features cultural symbols like the parol, a star-shaped lantern displayed by Filipinos during the Christmas season, and the gumamela, or hibiscus, flower, which is intended to pay tribute to frontline workers.

From Los Angeles Times

Some have also objected to the arch’s depiction of a “parol” — a star-shaped lantern displayed by Filipinos during the Christmas season — because of its associations with Spanish and American colonialism.

From Los Angeles Times

The Latina drag trio composed of Kay Sedia, Frieda Laye and Chita Parol celebrates a decade and a half of silliness, shenanigans and song with the new comedy-mystery “Chico’s Angels: Five-0: Waikiki Chicas.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dutch law, however, does not have the parol evidence rule.

From Salon