[blak-bawl] 
| 1. | to vote against (a candidate, applicant, etc.). |
| 2. | to exclude socially; ostracize: The whole town blackballed them. |
| 3. | to reject (a candidate) by placing a blackball in the ballot box. |
| 4. | a negative vote, esp. in deciding on an applicant or candidate. |
| 5. | a black ball placed in a ballot box signifying a negative vote. |
| black·ball (blāk'bôl') n.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to exclude from social, professional, or commercial activities: blackballed by the fraternity; blacklisted because of her political beliefs; a threat to boycott the product; ostracized following the harassment charges. |
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.
Note: The term is now applied generally to efforts — especially unreasonable or vengeful actions — to keep a people or groups out of organizations they wish to join.
blackball
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