safe conduct

See also: safe-conduct

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Attested as early as the 14th century in Robert of Gloucerster's chronicles written in Middle English; ultimately a calque of Old French sauf-conduit.

Noun

safe conduct (uncountable)

  1. The security given by authority of a government to a stranger for his quietly coming into and passing out of the territories over which said government has jurisdiction or control.

Usage notes

A safe-conduct differs from a passport because the former is usually given to enemies and the latter to friends, neutrals or citizens.

References

Anagrams

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