Pocket Veto Definition

The indirect veto by the President of the U.S. of a bill presented to him by Congress within ten days of its adjournment, by failing to sign and return the bill before Congress adjourns.

Any action similar to this in defeating a measure.

Under the United States Constitution, if the president does not sign a congressionally passed bill within ten days after receiving it, the bill becomes law, even without his or her signature. However, if the president neither signs nor vetoes the bill and Congress adjourns within that ten-day period, the legislation will become law only if the president signs it. Therefore, by not signing it, the bill is effectively killed.