Bench

(66), n. [O. Eng. benche, benk, A-S. benc, Sw. & Dan. bänk, bank; Icel. beckr, O. S. bank, benki, D. & Ger. benk, Corn. benk, W. bank, Ir. binse, Gael. binnse. See BANK.]

1Sense 1. A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length.

Rude, mossy benches supplied the place of chairs. W. Scott.

2Sense 2. A long table at which mechanics and others work; as, a carpenter's bench.

3Sense 3. The seat where judges sit in court; the seat of justice.

To pluck down justice from your awful bench. Shak.

One of the highest courts in England is called the King's or Queen's Bench; the English court of common pleas was formerly called the Bench or the Common Bench. In this country we speak of going before, or taking the opinion of, the full bench.

4Sense 4. The persons who sit as judges; the court. See FREE BENCH.