Black Rod
Americannoun
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(in England) an official of the Order of the Garter and chief ceremonial usher of the House of Lords: so called from the rod carried as the symbol of office.
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a similar official in British colonial and Commonwealth legislatures.
noun
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(in Britain) an officer of the House of Lords and of the Order of the Garter, whose main duty is summoning the Commons at the opening and proroguing of Parliament
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a similar officer in any of certain other legislatures
Etymology
Origin of Black Rod
First recorded in 1625–35
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A parliamentary official known as Black Rod will have the door of the lower chamber House of Commons slammed in their face, a tradition that symbolises parliament's independence from the monarchy.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
Before he starts, Black Rod - a senior officer in the Lords - will be sent to the House of Commons to summon the MPs.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
Black Rod is one of the most senior officers in the House of Lords, external, and participates in major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.
From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024
Black Rod also plays a key role in the selection of the House of Commons Speaker.
From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024
The keeper of the Black Rod demanded his sword as he took him in charge.
From History of the English People, Volume V Puritan England, 1603-1660 by Green, John Richard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
