letter of conduct

letter of conduct (plural letters of conduct)

1. (historical) A safe-conduct, a document guaranteeing safe passage through hostile territory.

   Synonyms: letter of safe conduct, safe-conduct

   • c. 1587–1588, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act I, scene ii:

     through my prouinces you muſt expect
     Letters of conduct from my mightineſſe,
     If you intend to keep your treaſure ſafe.

2. (human resources) A document affirming a person’s lack of a criminal record given as part of a background check.

   Synonym: letter of good conduct