one or more persons, to whom the consideration or ordering of a matter is referred, either by some court, or by the consent of parties, to whom it belongs.

COMMITTEE of parliament, a certain number of members appointed by the house, for the examination of a bill, making a report of an inquiry, proceedings of the house, &c.

When a parliament is called, and the speaker and members have taken the oaths, there are committees appointed to sit on certain days, viz. the committee of privileges and elections, of religion, of trade, &c., which are standing committees.

Sometimes the whole house resolves itself into a committee; on which occasion each person has a right to speak and reply as often as he pleases, which is not the case when a house is not in a committee.