Definition

Proper noun The House of Burgesses was the elected representative element of the legislative assembly for the colony of Virginia. It was the first democratically elected legislative body in the British American colonies.

Usage

The term is used historically to refer specifically to this governing institution in colonial Virginia. * The House of Burgesses was established in Jamestown in 1619. * Famous figures like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson served in the House of Burgesses. * The dissolution of the House of Burgesses by the royal governor was one of the grievances leading to the American Revolution.

Advanced Usage

• As a precursor: The House of Burgesses is often cited as a forerunner to the modern American system of representative government.
  • Scholars view the House of Burgesses as a key step in the development of self-governance in America.

Variants and Related Words

• Burgess (noun): An elected representative who served in this assembly.
  • Each county sent two burgesses to the assembly in Jamestown.

Synonyms

• Colonial assembly
• Legislative house (specific to Virginia)
• Representative assembly

Related Terms and Concepts

• General Assembly: The full legislative body of colonial Virginia, consisting of the Governor's Council (upper house) and the House of Burgesses (lower house).
• Self-governance: The principle that the House of Burgesses represented.
• Continental Congress: The subsequent national legislative body formed by the colonies, of which many former burgesses were members.

Noun

1. the lower house of legislature in colonial Virginia