from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Safe-conduct \Safe"-con"duct\, n. [Safe + conduct: cf. F.
sauf-conduit.]
That which gives a safe passage; either
(a) a convoy or guard to protect a person in an enemy's
country or a foreign country, or
(b) a writing, pass, or warrant of security, given to a
person to enable him to travel with safety. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
SAFE-CONDUCT, comm. law, war. A passport or permission from a neutral state
to persons who are thus authorized to go and return in safety, and,
sometimes, to carry away certain things, in safety. According to common
usage, the term passport is employed on ordinary occasions, for the
permission given to persons when there is no reason why they should not go
where they please: and safe-conduct is the name given to the instrument
which authorizes certain persons, as enemies, to go into places where they
could not go without danger, unless thus authorized by the government.
2. A safe-conduct is also the name of an instrument given to the
captain or master of a ship to proceed on a particular voyage: it usually
contains his name and residence, the name, description and destination of
the ship, with such other matters as the practice of the place requires.
This document is indispensably necessary for the safety of every neutral
ship.
3. The act of congress of April 30th, 1790, s. 27, punishes the
violation of any safe-conduct or passport granted under the authority of the
United States, on conviction, with imprisonment, not exceeding three years,
and a fine at the discretion of the court. Vide Conduct; Passport; and 18
Vin. Ab. 272.