12. In parliamentary proceedings: (a) The course of a proposition (bill, resolution, etc.) through the several stages of consideration and action; as, during its passage through Congress the bill was amended in both Houses. (b) The advancement of a bill or other proposition from one stage to another by an affirmative vote; esp., the final affirmative action of the body upon a proposition; hence, adoption; enactment; as, the passage of the bill to its third reading was delayed. "The passage of the Stamp Act." D. Hosack. The final question was then put upon its passage. Cushing. In passage, in passing; cursorily. "These . . . have been studied but in passage." Bacon. — Middle passage, Northeast passage, Northwest passage. See under Middle, Northeast, etc. — Of passage, passing from one place, region, or climate, to another; migratory; — said especially of birds "Birds of passage." Longfellow. — Passage hawk, a hawk taken on its passage or migration. — Passage money, money paid for conveyance of a passenger, — usually for carrying passengers by water.
Syn.
— Vestibule; hall; corridor. See Vestibule.
PASSAGER
Pas"sa*ger, n. Etym: [See Passenger.]
Defn: A passenger; a bird or boat of passage. [Obs.] Ld. Berners.
PASSAGEWAY
Pas"sage*way`, n.
Defn: A way for passage; a hall. See Passage, 5.
PASSANT
Pas"sant, a. Etym: [F., p.pr. of passer. See Pass, v. i.]
1. Passing from one to another; in circulation; current. [Obs.] Many opinions are passant. Sir T. Browne.
2. Curs [Obs.] On a passant rewiew of what I wrote to the bishop. Sir P. Pett.
3. Surpassing; excelling. [Obs.] Chaucer.