English

Noun

woolsack ‎(plural woolsacks)

1. A wool bale or cushion, the traditional seat of the Lord Speaker in the British House of Lords.
   • 1830, John Galt, The Life of Lord Byron:

     On entering the House, he is described to have appeared abashed and pale: he passed the woolsack without looking round, and advanced to the table where the proper officer was attending to administer the oaths.

   • 1895, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, The Evil Guest:

     Well, Dick," rejoined Sir Wynston, merrily, "if both are to be fulfilled, or neither, I trust you may never sit upon the woolsack of England."

   • 1902, John Lord, Beacon Lights of History, Volume XIII:

     But when the Lord Chancellor left the woolsack to congratulate him, and with a smiling face extended his hand, the embittered young peer bowed coldly and stiffly, and simply held out two or three of his fingers,--an act of impudence for which there was no excuse.