riding clerk
/ˈrʌɪdɪŋ klɑːk/noun
One of the Six Clerks of the Chancery, who (originally) accompanied the monarch or Chancellor when travelling, and was authorized to enter in the Rolls of Chancery those patents, commissions, and grants that passed the Great Seal.
- The office of riding clerk was originally taken by each of the Six Clerks in rotation, each serving a year's term, but in the late 16th cent. it became a permanent role.The office was abolished in 1842 by Act 5 & 6 Vict., c. 103..
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in George Cavendish (b. 1494), biographer and poet. From riding + clerk.
- leading edge
- leading lady
- leading light
- leading man
- leading note
- leading question
- leading rein
- leading seaman
- leading tone
- lead in one's pencil
- lead nowhere
- lead off
- lead pencil
- lead poisoning
- lead shot
- lead someone a dance (or a merry dance)
- lead someone a merry dance
- lead someone astray
- lead someone by the nose
- lead someone on
- lead someone to the altar
- lead someone up (or down) the garden path
- lead someone up the aisle
- lead story
- lead-swinger