blackball

Noun · Verb

US[blak-bawl]/ˈblækˌbɔl/2 syllables

Open English WordNet

the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or vetoSynonyms: barringType of ejection, exclusion

expel from a community or groupSynonyms: banish ban ostracize ostracise shun cast outMore general expel, throw out
vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent“The President vetoed the bill”Synonyms: veto negativeMore general oppose, controvertMore specific kill, shoot downInvolves vote

Word of the day · Oct 12About this word

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

Black′ball′ (…), noun

1. A composition for blacking shoes, boots, etc.; also, one for taking impressions of engraved work.

2. A ball of black color, esp. one used as a negative in voting; — in this sense usually two words.

Black′ball′ transitive verb [past tense & past participle Blackballed (…); present participle & verbal noun Blackballing.]

1. To vote against, by putting a black ball into a ballot box; to reject or exclude, as by voting against with black balls; to ostracize.

He was blackballed at two clubs in succession.— William M. Thackeray

2. To blacken (leather, shoes, etc.) with blacking.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54