When the Executive does not return a bill that has passed both houses, he is said to pocket it. See quotation 1888.
1848. This House saw a President of the United States very coolly pocket a bill which had been submitted [to him].—Mr. Barrow of Tennessee, House of Repr., Jan. 24: Cong. Globe, p. 225.
1850. When Congress made an appropriation for opening Roanoke inlet, Mr. Tyler pocketed the bill.—Mr. Stanly of North Carolina, House of Repr., March 6: id., p. 343, App.
1885. Legislators, who originated the enterprise of removing the capital to Minneola, could not be thwarted by any such trifle as the pocketing of the bill.—L. W. Spring, ‘Kansas,’ p. 260. (N.E.D.)
1888. If Congress adjourns within the ten days allowed the President for returning the bill, it is lost. His retaining it under these circumstances at the end of a session is popularly called a “pocket veto.”—Bryce, ‘American Commonwealth,’ i. 73–4, note. (N.E.D.)
