[Mithalwen]

I must admit I had never thought of it as other than the most appropriate bit of English for the situation but then History isn't my strongest suit. I am failing to think of an alternative that Gandalf would use.

Pass in itself is a word rich with meanings that resonate even in the strict context of the book.. just flicking through looking for a reference it is jumping out at me.

Black Riders passing through Bree, Galadriel passing the test and passing into the West, Legolas talking of Elvish perception of the passing of time, Frodo and Sam having to pass as Orcs, the passing of the Grey Company and the passage of the Marshes and no doubt many more that I can't think of at the moment (does anyone have LOTR on Kindle? ).