Bench

Bench

n.

pl. Benches

  1. A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length.
    Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs.
  2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench.
  3. The seat where judges sit in court.
    To pluck down justice from your awful bench.
  4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See King's Bench.
  5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; -- so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms.
  6. A conformation like a bench; a long stretch of flat ground, or a kind of natural terrace, near a lake or river.

Phrases & Compounds
Bench mark
one of a number of marks along a line of survey, affixed to permanent objects, to show where leveling staffs were placed. See bench mark in the vocabulary.
Bench of bishops
the whole body of English prelates assembled in council.
Bench plane
any plane used by carpenters and joiners for working a flat surface, as jack planes, long planes.
Bench show
an exhibition of dogs.
Bench table
a projecting course at the base of a building, or round a pillar, sufficient to form a seat.

Bench

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Benched; p. pr. & vb. n. Benching

  1. To furnish with benches.
    'T was benched with turf.
    Stately theaters benched crescentwise.
  2. To place on a bench or seat of honor.
    Whom I . . . have benched and reared to worship.

Bench

v. i.
  1. To sit on a seat of justice. [R.]