Definition
A tally of how legislators plan to vote on a bill, compiled by party whips who herd their colleagues like caffeinated sheepdogs. It's essentially a political headcount that determines whether a bill lives, dies, or needs more arm-twisting.
Example Usage
The whip count showed they were three votes short, so the leadership promised a new post office in every wavering member's district.
Origin
Derived from 'whipper-in,' the fox hunting term for the person who keeps hounds from straying from the pack
Fun Fact
Lyndon Johnson was legendary for his persuasive whip counts, often conducted with his face inches from a colleague's nose in what became known as 'The Treatment.'
Source: Congressional procedure manuals and legislative terminology
Related Terms
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See “whip count” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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