'Benches' definitions:

Definition of 'Benches'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. The seat where judges sit in court. [1913 Webster]
  • To pluck down justice from your awful bench. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See King's Bench. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; -- so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A conformation like a bench; a long stretch of flat ground, or a kind of natural terrace, near a lake or river. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]