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n. 1. a. A leave of absence or vacation, especially one granted to a member of the armed forces. b. A usually temporary layoff from work. c. A temporary leave of absence granted to a prisoner under special circumstances, such as the need to attend the funeral of a family member, or for a special purpose, such as participation in a work program. 2. The papers or documents authorizing a leave: The soldiers had their furloughs in their breast pockets. tr.v. fur·loughed, fur·lough·ing, fur·loughs 1. To grant a furlough to. 2. To terminate the employment of (a worker). [Alteration of vorloffe, furlogh, from Dutch verlof, from Middle Dutch; see leubh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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