Definition

Noun: 1. A specific type of locked case: A dispatch box is an oblong, often rectangular, container designed with a lock. Its primary, traditional purpose is for the secure transportation of important documents, such as official dispatches, government papers, or other valuable items. 2. A symbolic object in government: In British parliamentary tradition, the term specifically refers to the box placed on the Table of the House of Commons from which ministers speak when addressing the chamber. It is a symbol of official communication.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Container):
  • The courier carried the sensitive treaty in a red leather dispatch box.
  • The antique dispatch box contained centuries-old letters and seals.
• Noun (Parliamentary Object):
  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer opened his budget speech by placing his notes on the dispatch box.
  • Ministers must speak from behind the dispatch box when making official statements to the House.

Advanced Usage

• "To speak from/at the dispatch box": This is a formal parliamentary phrase meaning to make an official statement in the House of Commons. It implies the speaker is acting in their official ministerial capacity.
  • The Prime Minister's announcement at the dispatch box was met with silence from the opposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Dispatch case: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "dispatch box" to refer to the physical container.
• Despatch box: An alternative, less common spelling of "dispatch box," identical in meaning.
• Red Box: In UK government context, this is a specific type of ministerial dispatch box used to carry official documents. The Chancellor's budget box is a famous example.

Synonyms

• Document case: A general term for a case designed to hold papers.
• Courier case: Emphasizes the function of secure transport.
• Attaché case: A similar small, flat case for carrying documents, though not necessarily locked or for official dispatches.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The contents of the dispatch box": This phrase can refer literally to the documents inside the case, or figuratively to the substance of an official ministerial statement.
  • The nation awaited the contents of the dispatch box, which would reveal the new economic policy.

Noun

1. case consisting of an oblong container (usually having a lock) for carrying dispatches or other valuables