black book

1. 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 ]

2. 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 ]

3. 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 ]

4. A book of admiralty law, of the highest authority, compiled in the reign of Edw. III. Bouvier. Wharton. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. 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 ]

6. Any book which treats of necromancy. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. A book containing a black list. [ PJC ]

8. 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. [ jocose ] [ PJC ]