safe conduct

See also: safe-conduct

English

Alternative forms

• safe-conduct

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

• “safe conduct”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• “safe conduct”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.; or

Anagrams

• confuscated