ticket-of-leave

noun

tick·​et-of-leave ˌti-kət-ə(v)-ˈlēv How to pronounce ticket-of-leave (audio)
plural tickets-of-leave
: a license or permit formerly given in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations to a convict under imprisonment to go at large and to get work subject to certain specific conditions

Word History

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ticket-of-leave was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near ticket-of-leave

Cite this Entry

“Ticket-of-leave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ticket-of-leave. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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