back bench

noun

1. any of the rows of seats occupied by the backbenchers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of back bench¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The GOP showed a deeper, stronger back bench that seems to be missing this year on the Democratic side of the aisle.

From The Daily Beast

All the bed wetters and second guessers are now weighing in from the back bench.

From The Daily Beast

Why is a general so lionized hanging up his uniform for a back-bench position?

From The Daily Beast

But the Virginia congressman has the most to gain from a back-bench revolt.

From The Daily Beast

At thirty-seven he had been sitting in a stuff gown on a back bench in the Court of King's Bench.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he indicated the vacant swing-back bench at the far side of the table, and sat down opposite to Cartoner himself.

From Project Gutenberg

With the utmost alacrity one big girl from a back bench came rushing to the schoolmistress' assistance.

From Project Gutenberg

The luckless form of the youthful Lawkins, pale and scared, rose from a back bench.

From Project Gutenberg

The beds were made upon the earthen floor of his tomato-forcing house and under the back bench.

From Project Gutenberg