star-chamber

adjective

star-cham·​ber ˈstär-ˈchām-bər 

: characterized by secrecy and often being irresponsibly arbitrary and oppressive

Word History

Etymology

Star Chamber, a court existing in England from the 15th century until 1641

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Legal Definition

star chamber

noun

1

capitalized S&C : an old English court abolished in 1641 that exercised wide civil and criminal jurisdiction under rules of procedure suited to the prerogatives of the king and that was marked by secrecy, the absence of juries, self-incrimination, and an inquisitorial as opposed to accusatorial system of justice

2

: a tribunal or proceeding resembling the Star Chamber especially in being secretive or arbitrary