BENCH

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. 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. -- 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.

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.

To sit on a seat of justice. [R.] Shak.