Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » Chiltern hundreds

Chiltern hundreds

(c̸hil′tərn)

Brit. a purely nominal office held from the crown: appointment to it avoids application of the rule that members of Parliament wishing to vacate their seats may not resign

Origin: from the tract of crown lands in SC England, containing the Chiltern Hills

See Chiltern hundreds in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Chiefly British (used with a sing. verb)

A merely formal office applied for by members of Parliament when they wish to resign from the House of Commons.

Origin:

Origin: Short for Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds

Origin: tracts of crown lands in south-central England including the Chiltern Hills

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD