crossbench \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Usage:often attributive Etymology:cross (III) + bench : one of the benches in the House of Lords of the British parliament which is set at right angles to other benches and on which neutral or independent members sit < a crossbench mind > • crossbencher\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun