01 n. An ancient high court exercising jurisdiction in certain cases, mainly criminal, which sat without the intervention of a jury. It consiste…
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1.
An ancient high court exercising jurisdiction in certain cases, mainly criminal, which sat without the intervention of a jury. It consisted of the king's council, or of the privy council only with the addition of certain judges. It could proceed on mere rumor or examine witnesses; it could apply torture. It was abolished by the Long Parliament in 1641.(Eng. Hist.)
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2.
Any court, committee, or other tribunal which exercises arbitrary and unaccountable power, or uses unfair or illegal methods, in investigation or judgment of persons.(Metaphorical)