Black Rod

American  

noun

1. (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.

2. a similar official in British colonial and Commonwealth legislatures.

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Black Rod British  

noun

1. (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

2. a similar officer in any of certain other legislatures

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Etymology

Origin of Black Rod

First recorded in 1625–35

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Black Rod

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

The title Black Rod comes from the ebony staff, topped with a golden lion, carried by the holder.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2024

They then have to knock three times on the door with the rod to gain entry before it is opened, and MPs follow Black Rod back to the House of Lords to hear the speech.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2024

As well as organising ceremonial events, Black Rod - who can earn up to £93,000 a year - manages a team of 30 staff involved in the day-to-day running of the House of Lords.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2024

Next day, Friday the 22nd, when the message came to the Commons by the Black Rod to attend in the House of Lords, there was the utmost possible confusion.

From The Life of John Milton, Volume 5 (of 7), 1654-1660 by David Masson

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