per·mit 1 
(pər-mĭt)
(pər-mĭt)v. per·mit·ted, per·mit·ting, per·mits
v.tr.
1. To allow the doing of (something); consent to: permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
2. To grant consent or leave to (someone); authorize: permitted him to explain.
3. To afford opportunity or possibility for: weather that permits sailing.
v.intr.
To afford opportunity; allow: if circumstances permit.
n. (pûrmĭt, pər-mĭt)
A document or certificate giving permission to do something: a building permit.
[Middle English permitten, from Latin permittere : per-, through; see PER- + mittere, to let go.]
per′mit·tee (pûr′mĭ-tē) n.
per·mitter n.