GREENCLOTH

Etymology

Proper noun

Greencloth

(historical) A board or court of justice formerly held in the counting-house of the British sovereign's household, composed of the Lord Steward and his officers, and having cognizance of matters of justice in the household, with power to correct offenders and keep the peace within the vicinity of the palace.

Source: Wiktionary

Green"cloth` (-klôth`; 115), n.

Definition: A board or court of justice formerly held in the counting house of the British sovereign's household, composed of the lord steward and his officers, and having cognizance of matters of justice in the household, with power to correct offenders and keep the peace within the verge of the palace, which extends two hundred yards beyond the gatees.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition