GREEN-CLOTH, a board, or court of justice, held in the compting-house of the king's household, composed of the lord steward, and officers under him, who sit daily. To this court is committed the charge and oversight of the king's household in matters of justice and government, with a power to correct all offenders, and to maintain the peace of the verge, or jurisdiction of the court royal: which is every way about two hundred yards from the last gate of the palace where his majesty resides.
It takes its name, board of green cloth, from a green cloth spread over the board where they sit.
Without a warrant first obtained from this court, none of the king's servants can be arrested for debt.
Clerks of the GREEN CLOTH, are two officers of the board of green cloth, who appoint the diet of the king and his household; and keep all records, ledgers and papers relating thereto; make up bills, parcels and debentures for salaries, and provisions and necessaries for the officers of the pantry, buttery, cellar, &c.
They
They also wait upon foreign princes when entertained by his majesty.