pocket borough

noun

: an English constituency controlled before parliamentary reform by a single person or family

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of pocket borough was in 1783

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“Pocket borough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pocket%20borough. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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pocket borough

noun

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