Word of the Day

: February 10, 2007

star-chamber

adjective STAR-CHAIM-ber

What It Means

: characterized by secrecy and often being irresponsibly arbitrary and oppressive

star-chamber in Context

The new department manager's star-chamber methods -- from closed-door meetings to ultimatums and disastrous snap decisions -- quickly alienated the staff.

Did You Know?

The adjective "star-chamber" comes from the name of a medieval English court that got off to a good start but later lost its luster. Created in the 15th century and flourishing under the reign of Henry VIII, the Court of Star Chamber was initially a popular vehicle for obtaining justice where common-law courts, beset as they were with corruption and bias, failed. The Star Chamber (which apparently took its name from the gilded stars on the ceiling of the room where it met) didn't use a jury, just royal judges, so it was less subject to bribery. But the Star Chamber also lacked many of the safeguards to individual rights provided by common-law procedures and so was readily abused itself. When Charles I started using it to enforce unpopular policies, the Star Chamber acquired a reputation of being oppressive. It was abolished by Parliament in 1641.