Medieval Glossary
Black Rod, Usher of the
An officer of the English House of Lords, whose emblem of authority is the wand or rod, with a gold lion on top. He belongs to the order of the Garter and keeps the door when the chapter of that order is in session. His principal duty was to summon the Commons to the House of Lords when royal assent is given to bills, etc. and to take into custody any peer guilty of breach of privilege.
Related term(s): None
Category: Government and Law
Added: 09.01.06
Source information:
Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 61.
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