Bēnch'er, n.

n. 1. One of the senior members of a society who have the government of one of the inns of court. They have been readers, and, being admitted to plead within the bar, are called inner barristers. They annually elect a treasurer. Wood.

2. An alderman of a corporation. Ashmole.
3. A judge. [Obs.] Shak.
4. An idler, one who frequents the benches of a tavern. [Obs.]