Definition

Noun: - A historical English parliamentary constituency that had very few eligible voters but still retained the right to elect a Member of Parliament. This term refers to a borough that, due to depopulation or other historical reasons, had a tiny electorate, making its representation in Parliament disproportionate and often subject to corruption or control by a single patron.

Usage

• The term is used historically to describe a flaw in the pre-1832 British electoral system.
• It is often cited in discussions about political reform, corruption, and the evolution of democratic representation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The concept is sometimes used metaphorically in modern political discourse to criticize electoral districts with uncompetitive or manipulated politics, though this is an extended, figurative use.
• "Pocket borough" is a closely related term, specifically denoting a borough controlled by a single individual or family.

Variants and Related Words

• Pocket borough (n): A borough where the nomination of the MP was effectively in the "pocket" of a patron.
• Nomination borough: Similar to a pocket borough.

Synonyms

• Corrupt borough (historical synonym)
• Decayed borough (less common)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a specific historical meaning and is not used to describe modern electoral districts. Its use is almost exclusively in historical, political, or academic contexts discussing 18th and early 19th century British politics.

Noun

1. an English parliamentary constituency with few electors