adj. oral. (See: parol evidence rule)
PAROL. 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 (q.v.) 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 Watts, 451; 9
Pick. 298; 13 Wend. 71.
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. 3 Bl. Com. 300; 4 East, 485 1 Hoffm. R. 178. See a
form of a plea in abatement, praying that the parol may demur, in 1 Wentw.
Pl. 43; and 2 Chit. Pl. 520. But a devisee cannot pray the parol to demur. 4
East, 485.
3. Parol evidence is evidence verbally delivered by a witness. As to
the cases when such evidence will be received or rejected, vide Stark, Ev.
pt. 4, p. 995 to 1055; 1 Phil. Ev. 466, c. 10, s. 1; Sugd. Vend. 97.