Star Chamber

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noun

a former court of inquisitorial and criminal jurisdiction in England that sat without a jury and that became noted for its arbitrary methods and severe punishments, abolished 1641.

any tribunal, committee, or the like, which proceeds by arbitrary or unfair methods.

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Origin of Star Chamber

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Words nearby Star Chamber

Stara Zagora, starboard, starburst, Star Carr, starch, Star Chamber, star chart, starch blocker, starch-reduced, starchy, star cloud

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Star Chamber in a sentence

Going up to the star chamber on the morning after the excitement over the Brown house, she walked in upon an indignation meeting.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
Once over the street it was easily attached to a cord hanging from the star chamber, then slowly and cautiously Ikey pulled it up.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
And then to the star chamber, where they found Carl, who was very glad indeed to see Dora again.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard
He was the last to arrive on Friday evening, and he looked about him with some curiosity as Carl led the way to the star chamber.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard

Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his best as host, it was not quite the same without her.
The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard

British Dictionary definitions for Star Chamber

Star Chamber

noun

English history the Privy Council sitting as a court of equity, esp powerful under the Tudor monarchs; abolished 1641

(sometimes not capitals) any arbitrary tribunal dispensing summary justice

(sometimes not capitals) (in Britain, in a Conservative government) a group of senior ministers who make the final decision on the public spending of each government department

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for Star Chamber

Star Chamber

A royal court that began in England in the Middle Ages; cases were heard there without juries. Under the early Stuart kings, it was known for its tyrannical judgments. The name came from the courtroom's ceiling, which was painted with stars.

notes for Star Chamber

Star Chamber is used as a general descriptive term for arbitrary tactics by a judge.