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 plays a key role in the State Opening of Parliament, which takes place on Wednesday 17 July.
From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024
After being sent from the House of Lords, Black Rod knocks on the door of the House of Commons, to summon MPs for the King's Speech.
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.
