Bench (&unr_;), n.; pl. Benches (&unr_;). [OE. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Sw. bänk, Dan bænk, Icel. bekkr, OS., D., & G. bank. Cf. Bank, Beach.] 1. A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length.
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Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs. Sir W. Scott.
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2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench.
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3. The seat where judges sit in court.
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To pluck down justice from your awful bench. Shak.
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4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See King's Bench.
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5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; -- so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms.
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6. A conformation like a bench; a long stretch of flat ground, or a kind of natural terrace, near a lake or river.
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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. 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 (Arch.), a projecting course at the base of a building, or round a pillar, sufficient to form a seat.
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Bench, v. i. To sit on a seat of justice. [R.] Shak.
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