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.
<! p. 1049 !>
Syn. -- Vestibule; hall; corridor. See Vestibule.
Pas"sa*ger (?), n. [See Passenger.] A passenger; a bird or boat of
passage. [Obs.] Ld. Berners.
Pas"sage*way` (?), n. A way for passage; a hall. See Passage, 5.
Pas"sant (?), a. [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.