CHILTERN HUNDREDS Meaning and
Definition
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The Chiltern Hundreds refers to an ancient administrative division located in the Chiltern Hills, a range of hills in the southeastern region of England. Historically, the Chiltern Hundreds referred to areas within this region that were utilized for administrative purposes.
In contemporary use, the term "Chiltern Hundreds" has a different connotation. It refers to the post of Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds, a nominal office in the United Kingdom. This position is utilized as a means for Members of Parliament (MPs) to relinquish their seats voluntarily. When an MP wishes to resign their parliamentary seat, they apply for the position of Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds, resulting in their disqualification from Parliament.
The utilization of the Chiltern Hundreds as a means of resignation is a historical tradition that dates back to the 18th century. It is a fictitious title, devoid of any actual duties or responsibilities. However, by accepting this office, an MP effectively disqualifies themselves from holding a seat in Parliament, thus allowing for the triggering of a by-election in their former constituency.
The use of the Chiltern Hundreds as a resignation mechanism is most commonly employed when an MP wishes to leave their post before the parliamentary term ends or when they wish to avoid conflicts of interest. The tradition serves as a workaround for MPs, as they are legally prohibited from resigning directly.
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A hilly district in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, England, belonging to the Crown, to which a nominal office is attached, called the "Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds," which a member of the House of Commons accepts when he wishes to vacate his seat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CHILTERN HUNDREDS
- xhiltern hundreds
- vhiltern hundreds
- fhiltern hundreds
- dhiltern hundreds
- cgiltern hundreds
- cbiltern hundreds
- cniltern hundreds
- cjiltern hundreds
- cuiltern hundreds
- cyiltern hundreds
- chultern hundreds
- chjltern hundreds
- chkltern hundreds
- choltern hundreds
- ch9ltern hundreds
- ch8ltern hundreds
- chiktern hundreds
- chiptern hundreds
- chiotern hundreds
Etymology of CHILTERN HUNDREDS
The term "Chiltern Hundreds" refers to the position of stewardship or sinecure that historically granted membership to the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. The term originates from the Chiltern Hills, a range of chalk hills in the southeast of England.
The Chiltern Hundreds were initially administered by a judicial officer called the Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds, who was responsible for managing the land and villages within the Chiltern Hills. Over time, it became customary for the Chancellor of the Exchequer (an important government position) to grant this stewardship as a form of preferment to individuals seeking to resign from Parliament without formally quitting. By accepting this office, they would disqualify themselves from being a Member of Parliament.
The name "Chiltern Hundreds" thus refers to the position itself and the geographical area it pertains to.
Idioms with the word CHILTERN HUNDREDS
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apply for Chiltern Hundreds
To apply for Chiltern Hundreds means to formally resign from a position of public office in the United Kingdom, specifically a seat in the House of Commons. The Chiltern Hundreds is a fictional administrative office used as a legal loophole to enable Members of Parliament to resign, as they are technically considered Crown employees and unable to resign directly. Applying for the Chiltern Hundreds is a symbolic way of resigning from office.
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