green cloth

noun

1
usually capitalized G&C [so called from the green-covered table at which the board originally carried on its business] : a board or court of justice of the British sovereign's household that is composed of the lord steward and his officers and has cognizance of matters of justice in the household with power to correct offenders and keep the peace within the palace
2
a
: a layout for gambling

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of green cloth was in the 15th century

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near green cloth

Cite this Entry

“Green cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20cloth. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!