n. & v.
n. 1 a long seat of wood or stone for seating several people. 2 a working-table, e.g. for a carpenter, mechanic, or scientist. 3 (prec. by the) a the office of judge or magistrate. b a judge's seat in a lawcourt. c a lawcourt. d judges and magistrates collectively. 4 (often in pl.) Sport an area to the side of a pitch, with seating where coaches and players not taking part can watch the game. 5 Brit. Parl. a seat appropriated as specified (front bench). 6 a level ledge in masonry or an earthwork, on a hill-slope, etc.
v.tr. 1 exhibit (a dog) at a show. 2 Sport US withdraw (a player) from the pitch to the benches. bench test esp. Computing n. a test made by benchmarking.
v.tr. run a series of tests on (a computer etc.) before its use. King's (or Queen's) Bench (in the UK) a division of the High Court of Justice. on the bench appointed a judge or magistrate.
[ OE benc f. Gmc ]