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.-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.-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.-a book of admiralty law, of the highest authority, compiled in the reign of edw. iii.-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.-any book which treats of necromancy.