from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bench \Bench\, n.; pl. {Benches}. [OE. bench, benk, AS. benc;
akin to Sw. b[aum]nk, Dan b[ae]nk, 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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