standing order

noun

1. Military. (formerly) a general order always in force in a command and establishing uniform procedures for it; standard operating procedure.
2. standing orders, Parliamentary Procedure. the rules ensuring continuity of procedure during the meetings of an assembly.

standing order

noun

1. Also calledbanker's order an instruction to a bank by a depositor to pay a stated sum at regular intervals Compare direct debit
2. a rule or order governing the procedure, conduct, etc, of a legislative body
3. military one of a number of orders which have or are likely to have long-term validity

Word History and Origins

Origin of standing order¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Idioms and Phrases

A regulation that is in force until it is specifically changed or withdrawn, as in The waiters have standing orders to fill all glasses as they are emptied . This idiom began life in the mid-1600s as standing rule ; the word order began to be used about 1800 for such military orders and gradually was extended to other areas.

Example Sentences

If I am returned, my main object, I avow it frankly, will be to make them the standing order.

From Project Gutenberg

According to beneficent Standing Order, ordinary debate stands adjourned at midnight.

From Project Gutenberg

For was there not a standing order that no petitioner should be denied admittance?

From Project Gutenberg

Isabella D'Este had a standing order that all the books issued from this great Venetian press should be sent to her.

From Project Gutenberg

The levelling down of the excavated earth during trench construction subsequently became a standing order in the Division.

From Project Gutenberg