or Rota Men. A political club formed in 1651 by
Harrington, author of Oceana. Its objects were to introduce
rotation in office, and voting by ballot. It met at the Turk's Head, in New Palace Yard, Westminster, where the members drew up a popular
form of commonwealth, which will be found in Harrington's Oceana. It was called Rota because a third part of the members were roted
out by ballot every year, and were not eligible for re-election
for three years.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
