black book

• POS: Noun Phrase

CIDE DICTIONARY

black book,  

•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  A book of admiralty law, of the highest authority, compiled in the reign of Edw. III.  Bouvier. Wharton.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  Any book which treats of necromancy.  [1913 Webster]
•  A book containing a black list.  [PJC]
•  A book kept by a single man, containing a list of women whom he calls occasionally for a social date; -- usually used in the phrase little black book.  [PJC]