More properly parole. A French word, which means literally, word or speech. It is used to distinguish contracts which are made verbally or in writing not under seal, which are called, parol. contracts, from those which are under seal which bear the name of deeds or specialties 1 Chit. Contr. 1; 7 Term. R. 3 0 351, n.; 3 Johns. Cas. 60; 1 Chit. Pl. 88. It is proper to remark that when a contract is made under seal, and afterwards it is modified verbally, it becomes wholly a parol contract. 2. Pleadings are frequently denominated the parol. In some instances the term parol is used to denote the entire pleadings in a cause as when in an action brought against an infant heir, on an obligation of his ancestors, he prays that the parol may demur, i.e., the pleadings may be stayed, till he shall attain full age. But a devisee cannot pray the parol to demur. 4 East, 485. 3. Parol evidence is evidence verbally delivered by a witness.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
A word; speech; hence, oral or verbal; expressed or evidenced by speech only; not expressed by writing; not expressed by sealed instrument The pleadings in an action are also, in old law French, denominated the “parol,” because they were formerly actual viva voce pleadings in court and not mere written allegations, as at present Brown. As to parol “Agreement” “Arrest,” “Demurrer,” “Evidence,” “Lease,” and “Promise,” see those titles.