Parlor Car

See Sleeping Car. PAROL (more properly, parole. A French word, which means, literally, word, or speech). A term 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. 1 Chitty, Contr., 12th ed. 7; 7 Term 350; Ballard v. Walker, 3 Johns. Cas. (N. Y.) GO; 1 Chitty, PI. 88. When a contract is made under seal, and afterwards it is modified verbally, it becomes wholly a parol contract; Vicary v. Moore, 2 Watts (Pa.) 451, 2/ Am. Dec. 323; Munroe v. Perkins, 9 Pick. (Mass.) 298, 20 Am. Dec. 475. See Contract. 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. that the pleadings may be stayed till he shall attain full age; 3 Bla. Com. 300; 4 East 485; 1 Hoff m. 178. See a form of a plea in abatement, praying that the parol may demur, in 1 Wentw. PI. 43, and 2 Chitty, PI. 520. But a devisee cannot pray the parol to demur; 4 East 485.