Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PA-ROL', or PA-ROLE', n. [W. paryl; It. parola; Fr. parole, from parler, to speak; or contracted from L. parabola.]

1. Properly, a word; hence, in a legal sense, words or oral declaration; word of mouth. Formerly, conveyances were made by parol or word of mouth only. – Blackstone.
2. Pleadings in a suit; as anciently all pleadings were viva voce or ore tenus. The parol may demur. – Blackstone.