Chiltern Hundreds
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary · Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
In English politics. A tract of cpuntry extending through part of Buckingham and Oxfordshires, comprising the hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Bonenham; the stewardship of which is a nominal office in the gift of the crown. As members of parliament, strictly speaking, cannot resign their seats, and as, on the other hand, the acceptance of an office under the crown has the effect of vacating a member's seat, the mode of abandoning a seat is by taking the stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds.
2 Steph. Com. 403. Holihouse. Wharton. Brands.