logrolling

[ lawg-roh-ling, log- ]

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

/ 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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of logrolling¹

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

Example Sentences

The state capital was moved to Springfield as a part of the give and take of logrolling.

From Project Gutenberg

These appropriations are secured by what you call in America ‘logrolling.’

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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