Real Dictionary

permit
countable noun: A permit is an official document which says that you may do something. For example you usually need a permit to work in a foreign country.
verb: If a situation permits something, it makes it possible for that thing to exist, happen, or be done or it provides the opportunity for it.
verb: If someone permits something, they allow it to happen. If they permit you to do something, they allow you to do it.
verb: If you permit yourself something, you allow yourself to do something that you do not normally do or that you think you probably should not do.

permit in American English 1
to allow; consent to; tolerate
intransitive verb: to grant permission; allow liberty to do something
noun: an authoritative or official certificate of permission; license
transitive verb: to allow to do something

permit in American English 2
an Atlantic pompano fish (Trachinotus falcatus) found esp. in the Caribbean
noun: a pompano, Trachinotus falcatus, of the waters off the West Indies

permit in British English
noun: an official certificate or document granting authorization; licence
verb: to grant permission to do something