Past tense of furlough; temporarily let workers leave their jobs, usually without pay, often due to lack of work or business needs.
From Dutch 'verlof' (leave, permission), adopted into English during the 17th century military period. Originally meant official leave granted to soldiers, later expanded to civilian employment.
The word comes from military history when soldiers needed official 'permission' to leave camp—companies borrowed this formal language even though modern furloughs usually mean people have no choice and no pay!
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