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blackball
[ blak-bawl ]
verb (used with object)
- to vote against (a candidate, applicant, etc.).
- to exclude socially; ostracize:
The whole town blackballed them.
- to reject (a candidate) by placing a blackball in the ballot box.
noun
- a negative vote, especially in deciding on an applicant or candidate.
- a black ball placed in a ballot box signifying a negative vote.
blackball
/ ˈblækˌbɔːl /
noun
- a negative vote or veto
- a black wooden ball used to indicate disapproval or to veto in a vote
- a hard boiled sweet with black-and-white stripes
verb
- to vote against in a ballot
- to exclude (someone) from a group, profession, etc; ostracize
blackball
- A rejection of an applicant's membership in a private organization, such as a club or fraternity. The term is derived from the traditional practice of members voting anonymously on admitting new members, using either a white marble (acceptance) or a black marble (denial). Acceptance must be unanimous; therefore, one black marble in the ballot box is enough to keep the applicant out of the organization.
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Notes
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Other Words From
- blackballer noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of blackball1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of blackball1
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Example Sentences
A radio executive said the Bush White House told them explicitly who they were expected to blackball from their airwaves.
Citi, however, is setting the standard, as epitomized by its Mike Mayo blackball.
How had he, a useless old fogy, dared to blackball a man like Iver?
Do not they abuse you behind your back, and blackball you at societies where they have had the honour to propose you?
You may be sure some of the proud people and most of the parvenus of the Club were ready to blackball him.
They let a victim go there until they get all and then they blackball him.
If a ballot should be demanded the members will all vote, and one blackball will exclude.
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