Black Rod

noun

1. (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.
2. a similar official in British colonial and Commonwealth legislatures.

Black Rod

noun

1. (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
2. a similar officer in any of certain other legislatures

Word History and Origins

Origin of Black Rod¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

The keeper of the black rod is a very genteel office, which yields about 900 during the session.

From Project Gutenberg

With another neighbor, black Rod, a noble St. Bernard, the initial friendship was soon broken.

From Project Gutenberg

Bowyer (Master), usher of the black rod in the court of queen Elizabeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Black Rod is on such occasions the central figure of a curious ceremony of much historic significance.

From Project Gutenberg

Black Rod then strikes three times with his staff, and on being asked “Who is there?”

From Project Gutenberg