bench (verb)

In modern graffiti terminology, to bench is to sit on one's rear, preferably in a spot with a lot of rail traffic, and wait for trains to go by. When they do arrive, the bencher whips out his/her camera and shoots flicks like a crazed person.

Benching is a time-honored method of obtaining graffiti pictures, and dates back to the early 1970's in NYC. The bencher will become extremely familiar with train routes and schedules, and may occasionally run into hoboes, trainspotters, and other wacky types.

Bench (?), n.; pl. Benches (#). [OE. bench, benk, AS. benc; akin to Sw. bank, Dan baenk, 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.

6.

A conformation like a bench; a long stretch of flat ground, or a kind of natural terrace, near a lake or river.

Bench mark Leveling, one of a number of marks along a line of survey, affixed to permanent objects, to show where leveling staffs were placed. -- Bench of bishops, the whole body of English prelates assembled in council. -- Bench plane, any plane used by carpenters and joiners for working a flat surface, as jack planes, long planes. -- Bench show, an exhibition of dogs. -- Bench table Arch., a projecting course at the base of a building, or round a pillar, sufficient to form a seat.

 

© Webster 1913.


Bench (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Benched (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Benching.]

1.

To furnish with benches.

'T was benched with turf. Dryden.

Stately theaters benched crescentwise. Tennyson.

2.

To place on a bench or seat of honor.

Whom I . . . have benched and reared to worship. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Bench, v. i.

To sit on a seat of justice.

[R.]

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

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