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Definitions from WordNet

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Pocket Borough

Definition:

A pocket borough refers to a parliamentary constituency, historically in the United Kingdom, where the election results were heavily influenced or controlled by a single wealthy landowner or an influential family.

Senses:

Sense 1: Historical Political Constituency

A pocket borough can refer to a specific parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom, which used to be under the dominance and control of a single landowner or family.

Example sentence: The Smiths have owned the pocket borough of Bartonshire for generations, ensuring their political power remains unchallenged.

Sense 2: Corrupt Electoral Practice

Pocket borough can also describe the practice of manipulating electoral results in a parliamentary constituency by exerting undue influence or control.

Example sentence: The influential businessman established a pocket borough by ensuring his nominees were elected, thus securing favor for his business interests.

Usages:

Historical Relevance:

During the 18th and 19th centuries in the United Kingdom, pocket boroughs played a significant role in maintaining elite control over the parliamentary representation.

Example sentence: The era of pocket boroughs highlighted the lack of democracy and the considerable influence held by wealthy landowners.

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