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

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

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

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

The refusal to let Black Rod enter at the first knock is widely believed to symbolise the Commons' independence from the Crown.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2024

Then his Grace, making obeisance to the lords, reseated himself; and Garter, and the Black Rod, with their reverences, jointly presented the white staff, on their knees, to his Grace.

From Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745 Volume III. by Mrs. Thomson