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pocket borough

/ˈpɒkɪt ˈbʌrə/

1 entry

phrase

/ˈpɒkɪt ˈbʌrə/C2formalbritishpoliticalobsolete
  • ruИсторический термин, обозначающий парламентский избирательный округ в Соединённом Королевстве, который контролировался одним лицом или семьёй, как правило, до Акта о реформе 1832 года. «Карманный» означало, что место находилось в кармане богатого покровителя, который мог фактически назначать члена парламента.

A historical term referring to a parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom that was controlled by a single person or family, typically before the Reform Act of 1832. The 'pocket' meant the seat was in the pocket of a wealthy patron, who could effectively appoint the member of parliament.

  1. Historical electoral districtC2formalbritish

    A borough in England before the Reform Act of 1832 that was controlled by a single person or family, allowing them to elect its representative to Parliament without opposition.

    ruКарманный избирательный округ

    • The Duke of Newcastle controlled several pocket boroughs in the 18th century.
    • Pocket boroughs were often criticized for being undemocratic.
    • The Reform Act of 1832 abolished most pocket boroughs.