See Also: lord chancellor(encyclopedia)
Lord Chancellor(law)
Lord Chancellor, the(dictionary)
Lord Chancellor's Department, the(dictionary)
chancellor(dictionary)
chancellor(dictionary)
chancellor(encyclopedia)
Vice Chancellor(law)
pro-vice-chancellor(dictionary)
Chancellor of the Exchequer(dictionary)

lord chancellor (sh)




British official who heads the judiciary and presides over the House of Lords. Until the 14th century the chancellor served as royal chaplain and king's secretary. The office acquired a more judicial character in the reign of Edward III (1327-77). Most of the office's power, exemplified in the administrations of St. Thomas Becket

died 1170

and Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey

died 1530

, ceased to exist centuries ago.

The judicial work of contemporary chancellors is confined to the House of Lords and the Privy Council. As speaker of the House of Lords, the chancellor states the question and takes part in debates.