a long backless seat, e.g. of wood or stone, for two or more people
(often the Bench) a judge's seat in court
the office of judge or magistrate
appointed to the bench
(treated as sing. or pl) the judges or magistrates hearing a particular case, or judges or magistrates collectively
a seat for an official, coach, substitute player, etc at the side of a sports field
Brit any of the long seats on which members sit in Parliament
a long worktable
(the bench) seating for substitute players at e.g. a football match
[Old English benc]