Pronunciation: [hˈansɑːd] (IPA) 
Hansard, the official record of parliamentary debates in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, is pronounced /ˈhænsərd/. This word is spelled with an "s" rather than a "z" despite it having a "z" sound because it is named after Luke Hansard, the printer who started publishing the record in the early 1800s. The spelling "Hansard" has been retained as it is a proper noun and reflects its original creator.
Hansard is a term that refers to several things, but primarily it is associated with the official record of debates held in parliamentary bodies, primarily in the United Kingdom and countries following the Westminster system. The term can also apply to similar records in other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Specifically, Hansard is the name of the official printed version of these parliamentary debates. It records the speeches, questions, and answers given by Members of Parliament or their equivalents during legislative sessions. The purpose of Hansard is to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of the proceedings, ensuring transparency, accountability, and documenting the legislative history for future reference.
Hansard often includes informative annotations, such as the names of speakers, dates, times, and references to relevant legislation or other official documents. Additionally, it may categorize speeches by topics, enabling effective retrieval of information. The production of Hansard involves specialized teams responsible for transcribing the spoken words, editing and verifying the accuracy of the text, and publishing the final version.
The term "Hansard" is derived from the name of Thomas Curson Hansard, an English printer and publisher who pioneered the documentation of parliamentary debates in the early 19th century. Today, the publication of Hansard is considered a crucial component of parliamentary systems, facilitating democratic governance, and aiding in the establishment of a public record of legislative activities.
• A merchant of a Hanse town.
• The books which contain the official printed records of the proceedings of Parliament, named after the printer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hansard" is derived from the surname of Luke Hansard, an English printer who founded a successful printing business in the late 18th century. Luke Hansard's company specialized in printing official government reports and records, including parliamentary debates.
The term "hansard" initially referred to the printed transcripts of parliamentary debates in the United Kingdom. Luke Hansard's company was responsible for printing these records, and over time, the term became associated with the official records of parliamentary proceedings.
Today, the word "hansard" has become a generic term used in many English-speaking countries to refer to the official transcripts of legislative assemblies or parliaments. It is often used as the name of the organization responsible for producing these records.
