subs. phr. (common).—An imaginary record of offences and sins. Hence TO BE IN THE BLACK BOOKS = to be in disgrace: to have incurred displeasure; to be out of favour.
1383. CHAUCER, The Canterbury Tales [ALDINE, ii. 208]. [T. L. KINGTON-OLIPHANT, The New English, i. 124. A promise is made to strike a man out of OURE LETTRES BLAKE; this is the source of our BLACK BOOKS.]
1809. MALKIN, Gil Blas [ROUTLEDGE], 154. Play and gallantry are equally in her BLACK BOOKS.
