Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
A legal or administrative body with strict, arbitrary rulings and secretive proceedings.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: derogatory
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a former English court that became notorious for its arbitrary methods and severe punishments
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: court, tribunal, judicature
History
From the Star Chamber (perhaps named for the gilt stars on its ceiling), an English court of law that sat at the royal Palace of Westminster from the late 15th century until 1641. The court was set up to ensure the fair enforcement of laws against prominent people, but over time it evolved into a political weapon; a symbol of the misuse and abuse of power by the English monarchy and courts.
