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 200 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 were two officers of the board of green cloth, who appointed the diet of the king and his household; and kept all records, legers, and papers relating thereto; made up bills, parcels, and debentures for salaries, and provisions and necessaries for the officers of the buttery, pantry, cellar, &c. They also waited upon foreign princes when entertained by his majesty. But this has been lately abolished.

GREEN-Finch, the English name of the greenish fringilla, with the wings and tail variegated with yellow. See FRINGILLA, ORNITHOLOGY Index.