chiltern hundreds

1 definition found

chiltern hundreds - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chiltern Hundreds \Chiltern Hundreds\ [AS. Chiltern the
     Chiltern, high hills in Buckinghamshire, perh. Fr. ceald cold
     + ern, [ae]rn, place.]
     A tract of crown land in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire,
     England, to which is attached the nominal office of steward.
     As members of Parliament cannot resign, when they wish to go
     out they accept this stewardship, which legally vacates their
     seats.
     [1913 Webster]