Star Chamber

noun

1. 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.
2. any tribunal, committee, or the like, which proceeds by arbitrary or unfair methods.

Star Chamber

noun

1. English history the Privy Council sitting as a court of equity, esp powerful under the Tudor monarchs; abolished 1641
2. sometimes not capitals any arbitrary tribunal dispensing summary justice
3. 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

Star Chamber

1. 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Star Chamber¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Going up to the star chamber on the morning after the excitement over the Brown house, she walked in upon an indignation meeting.

From Project Gutenberg

Once over the street it was easily attached to a cord hanging from the star chamber, then slowly and cautiously Ikey pulled it up.

From Project Gutenberg

And then to the star chamber, where they found Carl, who was very glad indeed to see Dora again.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his best as host, it was not quite the same without her.

From Project Gutenberg