Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Black-balled

Not admitted to a club; the candidate proposed is not accepted as a member. In voting by ballot, those who accept the person proposed drop a white or red ball into the box, but those who would exclude the candidate drop into it a black one. It is now more usually done by two compartments, for “yes” and “no” respectively.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Black Book
Black Assize
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content