Definition

Noun: 1. A rule of order permanently in force: An instruction or rule that remains in effect until it is explicitly changed or cancelled. This is commonly used in organizational contexts, such as parliamentary procedure or corporate bylaws, to describe rules that govern meetings and operations. 2. A recurring instruction to a bank: An instruction given by an account holder to their bank to make regular, fixed payments to a specified person or organization on predetermined dates. This is a common financial arrangement for paying bills like rent, mortgages, or subscriptions.

Usage Examples

• The committee's standing order requires that all reports be submitted one week in advance of the meeting.
• To pay my monthly rent, I set up a standing order with my bank.
• According to the club's standing orders, the treasurer must present a financial report at each annual general meeting.
• I cancelled the standing order for the magazine after my subscription ended.

Advanced Usage

• "To be governed by standing orders": To operate according to a set of permanent rules.
  • The council's debates are governed by detailed standing orders.
• In a financial context, a standing order is distinct from a Direct Debit. A standing order is a fixed, regular payment instruct your bank to make. A Direct Debit is a variable payment that a company is authorized to your account, with amounts and dates that can change.

Variants and Related Words

• Standing Instruction: A synonymous term, particularly in banking.
• Recurring Payment: A broader term that includes standing orders, Direct Debits, and other automated payment methods.
• Bylaw / Rule of Procedure: Related terms for the parliamentary/organizational meaning of a permanent rule.

Synonyms

• (Financial) Automated payment, recurring transfer, bank order.
• (Procedural) Permanent rule, fixed rule, procedural rule.

Related Phrases

• To set up a standing order: To instruct a bank to begin making regular payments.
  • You can set up a standing order through your online banking portal.
• To cancel/revoke a standing order: To instruct a bank to stop the regular payments.
  • Remember to cancel the standing order if you change utility providers.

Noun

1. a rule of order permanently in force