Bench (�), n.; pl.Benches (�). [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.
Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs.
Sir W. Scott.
2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench.
3. The seat where judges sit in court.
To pluck down justice from your awful bench.
Shak.
4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See King's Bench.
5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; — so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms.
6. 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.