black book

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

black′ book′, 

1. a book of names of people liable to censure or punishment.
2. Idioms in someone's black books, in disfavor with someone.
• 1470–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

black book noun

1. a book containing the names of people to be punished, blacklisted, etc
2. in someone's black books ⇒ out of favour with someone