parliamentarian
parliamentarian Lexical Profile
parliamentarian Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A member of a parliament, especially one who is experienced and skilled in parliamentary debate and procedure.
"The veteran parliamentarian delivered an eloquent speech defending the proposed constitutional reform."
American An official or expert in the formal rules and procedures of a deliberative assembly or legislative body.
"The Senate parliamentarian ruled that the provision could not be included in the budget reconciliation bill."
British A supporter of the English Parliament against King Charles I during the English Civil War.
"During the 1640s, the conflict divided communities between Royalists and Parliamentarians."
• adjective
Relating to a parliament, its members, or the principles of parliamentary government and procedure.
"The prime minister was widely respected for his deep mastery of parliamentarian traditions."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American politics (especially in the U.S. Senate), a 'parliamentarian' refers specifically to an appointed official who advises on legislative rules and procedure, whereas in Commonwealth countries it most commonly denotes an elected member of parliament.
• Rhymes for parliamentarian
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 17th century from 'parliament' plus the suffix '-arian', originally denoting a supporter of the English Parliament against King Charles I during the English Civil War. 'Parliament' itself derives from Old French 'parlement' (speaking or discussion), from 'parler' (to speak).