Short for Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod (so called from the black wand surmounted by a golden lion which he carries as his symbol of office). The chief Gentleman Usher of the Lord Chamberlain’s department of the royal household, who is also usher to the House of Lords and to the Chapter of the Garter. Also, a similar functionary in colonial legislatures.
1632. in Sherwood.
1646. Evance, Noble Ord., 1. Ely is committed to the Black Rod.
1668. Marvell, Corr., ci. Wks. 1872–5, II. 257. The Lords … sentenced Sir Samuel Barnardiston … to pay 300 li. fine, and be under black rod without baile till he payd it.
1724. Lond. Gaz., No. 6284/1. The Black Rod kneeling held the Gospels.
1861. Hughes, Tom Brown at Oxf., I. iii. 40. Lords and ladies in waiting, white sticks or black rods.
1865. Times, 25 Aug., 7/3 (Quebec). The Usher of the Black Rod … was directed, after the manner of St. Stephen’s, to summon the members of the Lower House to hear the Speech from the Throne.
