husting(s)

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husting(s) sg. (hist.) deliberative assembly XI; court held in Guidhall, London XII (sg.; from XV pl.); †platform in Guildhall on which the members sat XVII; platform from which nomination of candidates for election to parliament was made, (hence) the election itself XVIII. Late OE. hústing — ON. húsþing ‘house assembly’, one held by a king, etc., with his immediate followers, opp. to the ordinary þing (see THING) or general assembly.