furlough

Definition

A leave of absence or vacation.

Etymology

From Dutch verlof (“furlough”), probably from Middle Low German verlōf (“furlough, permission”) (possibly via German Verlaub), from the verb verlōven (“to allow”), from Old Saxon far- + lōvian (“to trust, believe”). From Middle Low German also German Verlaub, Danish forlov. Doublet of leave.

Example Sentences

• "And I had a lot of things on my mind and I pretty well forgot my promise to Mama until I got shipped home on a special furlough for her funeral."
• "The state estimates the one-day-a-month furlough spread over the 18 months of the plan would amount to a 5 percent cut in pay."