logrolling

American  

[lawg-roh-ling, log-] / ˈlɔgˌroʊ lɪŋ, ˈlɒg- /

noun

1. U.S. Politics. the exchange of support or favors, especially by legislators for mutual political gain as by voting for each other's bills.

   a state senate famous for its logrolling—and suspected of rampant corruption.

2. cronyism or mutual favoritism among writers, editors, or critics, as in the form of reciprocal flattering reviews; back scratching.

   the well-established journalistic practice of logrolling and mutual admiration.

3. the action of rolling a log or logs to a particular place.

4. the action of rotating a log rapidly in the water by treading upon it, especially as a competitive sport; birling.

---

logrolling British  

/ ˈlɒɡˌrəʊlɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of undemocratic agreements between politicians involving mutual favours, the trading of votes, etc

2. another name for birling See birl 1

---

logrolling Cultural  

1. In politics, advance agreement by legislators to vote for one another's bills. Logrolling is most common when legislators are trying to secure votes for bills that will benefit their home districts. For example, a group of congressmen from the Middle West pushing for higher dairy prices and a group of southern congressmen supporting higher tobacco prices might make a logrolling agreement in order to get both bills passed.

---

Etymology

Origin of logrolling

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; log ¹ + rolling

Example Sentences

“The single-subject rule prevents logrolling, namely, the passage of legislation that, if standing alone, could not muster the necessary votes for enactment,” the lawsuit reads.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2023

CIRM’s grantmaking record also fosters the impression of institutional logrolling.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2019

He stalks around the wrestling ring, high-fiving the crowd before slowly logrolling inside.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2017

I once said that Dare Me deserved to win the Pulitzer, and this was more than the usual logrolling Internet hyperbole.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2014

The advocates of the change were not strong enough to force through a free-silver bill, but they were able by skillful logrolling to bring about the passage of the Silver Purchase Act.

From The Agrarian Crusade; a chronicle of the farmer in politics by Buck, Solon J. (Solon Justus)

Related Words

• aid
• assistance
• collaboration
• participation
• partnership
• service
• unity