bench Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a long seat for more than one person
noun a level shelf of land interrupting a declivity (with steep slopes above and below)
terrace.
noun persons who administer justice
judiciary.
noun a strong worktable for a carpenter or mechanic
workbench; work bench.
noun the magistrate or judge or judges sitting in court in judicial capacity to compose the court collectively
noun the reserve players on a team
- our team has a strong bench
noun (law) the seat for judges in a courtroom
verb take out of a game; of players
verb exhibit on a bench
- bench the poodles at the dog show

OE. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Sw. bänk, Dan bænk, Icel. bekkr, OS., D., & G. bank. Cf. Bank, Beach.

plural Benches

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

imperfect & past participle Benched present participle & verbal noun Benching

To furnish with benches.
'T was benched with turf. Dryden.

Stately theaters benched crescentwise. Tennyson.
To place on a bench or seat of honor.
Whom I . . . have benched and reared to worship. Shak.