pass|port

pass|port «PAS prt, -pohrt; PAHS-», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) a paper or book giving a citizen official permission to travel in a foreign country, under the protection of his own government and giving him the right to leave and reenter his own country: »

Every American citizen carrying an American passport is entitled to, at the very least, the diplomatic protection of the U.S. Government (New York Times).

b) a document granted in the 1920's and 1930's by an authority of the League of Nations to various persons who had no national identity, by means of which travel through or residence in certain countries was made possible; Nansen passport.

2. Figurative. anything that gives one admission or acceptance: »

An interest in gardening was a passport to my aunt's favor.

3. a document granting a ship, especially a neutral merchant ship in time of war, permission to enter certain waters freely, or requesting such permission for it.

4. Archaic. a safe-conduct, especially one permitting an enemy to leave or pass through a given country or territory.

–v.t.

to supply or provide with a passport.

╂[< Middle French passeport < passe, imperative of Old French passer to pass¹ + port harbor, port¹]

–pass´port´less, adjective.