■ noun
1》 a long seat for more than one person.
2》 a long, sturdy work table in a workshop or laboratory.
3》 ( the ~ ) the office of judge or magistrate.
↘a judge or magistrate presiding over a particular case.
4》 ( the ~ ) a seat at the side of a sports field for coaches and players not taking part in a game.
5》 a platform on which dogs are exhibited at shows.
■ verb
1》 exhibit (a dog) at a show.
2》 N. Amer. withdraw (a sports player) from play.
Origin
OE benc , of Gmc origin; see word history at bank 1 .