n.
- a long seat for more than one person.
- a long, sturdy work table in a workshop or laboratory.
-
(the bench)
the office of judge or magistrate.
▸a judge or magistrate presiding over a particular case.
-
(the bench)
a seat at the side of a sports field for coaches and players not taking part in a game.
- a platform on which dogs are exhibited at shows.
v.
- exhibit (a dog) at a show.
- N. Amer. withdraw (a sports player) from play.
Etymology
OE benc, of Gmc origin; see word history at bank1.