Black Rod

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In England, the usher belonging to the order of the Garter, more fully styled gentleman usher of the black rod: so called from the black rod which he carries. He is of the king's chamber and usher of Parliament. His deputy is styled the yeoman usher. They are the official messengers of the House of Lords; and either the gentleman or the yeoman usher summons the Commons to the House of Lords when the royal assent is given to bills, and also executes orders for the commitment of persons guilty of breach of privilege and contempt. The name is also given to similar functionaries in the legislatures of the Dominion of Canada and other British colonies.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. engraving the usher to the Chapter of the Garter, so called from the black rod which he carries. He is of the king's chamber, and also usher to the House of Lords.
2. An usher in the legislature of British colonies.
3. n. See in the Vocabulary.