Black Rod, GENTLEMAN-USHER OF THE,

Black Rod, GENTLEMAN-USHER OF THE, an officer of the House of Lords, appointed by letters-patent. He is chief gentleman-usher to the sovereign, and usher of the order of the Garter, at the chapter-meetings of which he keeps the door. He has charge of all arrangements for maintaining order in the House; takes into custody any peer guilty of breach of privilege; and (himself, or by his deputy the yeoman-usher) summons the House of Commons to the Peers when the royal assent is given to bills, or when royal speeches are read. If the sovereign is personally present in the Lords, he commands, but if royalty is represented by Lords Commissioners, he only desires the attendance of the Commons. The appointment of messengers, door-keepers, &c., rests with Black Rod. His title is derived from his wand, surmounted by a gold lion, which he carries instead of the mace.