BEN
Ben.

Defn: An old form of the pl. indic. pr. of Be. [Obs.]

BENAME
Be*name", v. t. [p. p. Benamed, Benempt.]

Defn: To promise; to name. [Obs.]

BENCH Bench, n.; pl. Benches. Etym: [OE. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Sw. bänk, Dan bænk, Icel. bekkr, OS., D., & G. bank. Cf. Bank, Beach.]

1. A long seat, differing from a stool in its greater length. Mossy benches supplied the place of chairs. Sir W. Scott.

2. A long table at which mechanics and other work; as, a carpenter's bench.

3. The seat where judges sit in court. To pluck down justice from your awful bench. Shak.

4. The persons who sit as judges; the court; as, the opinion of the full bench. See King's Bench.

5. A collection or group of dogs exhibited to the public; — so named because the animals are usually placed on benches or raised platforms.