Bench (?), n.; pl. Benches (#). [OE. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Sw. bank, Dan baenk, Icel. bekkr, OS., D., & G. bank. Cf. Bank, Beach.]
1.
A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length.
Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs.
Sir W. Scott.
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.
Shak.
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.
Bench mark Leveling, one of a number of marks along a line of survey, affixed to permanent objects, to show where leveling staffs were placed. -- 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 Arch., a projecting course at the base of a building, or round a pillar, sufficient to form a seat.
© Webster 1913.
Bench (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Benched (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Benching.]
1.
To furnish with benches.
'T was benched with turf.
Dryden.
Stately theaters benched crescentwise.
Tennyson.
2.
To place on a bench or seat of honor.
Whom I . . . have benched and reared to worship.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Bench, v. i.
To sit on a seat of justice.
[R.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.