ETYM Old Eng. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Swed. bänk, Dan baenk, Icel. bekkr, OS., Dutch, and German bank. Related to Bank, Beach.
(Irregular plural: benches).
1. A long seat for more than one person.
2. The seat on which reserve players sit during a game.

ETYM See bench (n.).
1. To exhibit on a bench; of animals such as dogs at shows.
2. To take out of a game; of players.

The magistrate or judge or judges sitting in court in judicial capacity to compose the court collectively.