Black" book` (b?k`). 1. One of
several books of a political character, published at different times and
for different purposes; -- so called either from the color of the binding,
or from the character of the contents.
2. A book compiled in the twelfth century,
containing a description of the court of exchequer of England, an official
statement of the revenues of the crown, etc.
3. A book containing details of the enormities
practiced in the English monasteries and religious houses, compiled by
order of their visitors under Henry VIII., to hasten their
dissolution.
4. A book of admiralty law, of the highest
authority, compiled in the reign of Edw. III. Bouvier.
Wharton.
5. A book kept for the purpose of registering the
names of persons liable to censure or punishment, as in the English
universities, or the English armies.
6. Any book which treats of necromancy.