Bläck'-böök, n.

(27), n. [black and book.]

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 composed in the twelfth century, containing a description of the court of exchequer, its officers, their ranks and privileges, wages, perquisites, and jurisdiction, with the revenues of the crown, &c.
3. A book having reference to the English monasteries, containing details of the enormities practiced in religious houses, compiled by order of the visitors under Henry VIII., to blacken them, and hasten their dissolution.
4. An ancient book of admiralty law, compiled in the reign of Edward III. It has always been deemed of the highest authority in matters concerning the admiralty. Bouvier. Wharton.
5. A book kept at a university for the purpose of registering crimes and misdemeanors.
6. Any book which treats of necromancy.