mourners' bench

noun

1. (at religious revival meetings) a bench or seat at the front of the church or room, set apart for mourners or penitent sinners seeking salvation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mourners' bench¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Others were regularly turned out, mostly for not paying their dues, only to warm up at the next revival on the mourners bench and come through converted and be again accepted into the church and, for awhile at least, live a near-righteous life.

From Project Gutenberg

Far into the night this performance would continue, and when the mourners' bench became empty the audience would be searched for sinners.

From Project Gutenberg

I noticed that several boys, who were not in good standing with the parents of girls they wished to court, found the mourners' bench a convenient vehicle to the homes of these girls—all of whom belonged to church.

From Project Gutenberg

In this condition they flocked to the "mourners bench"—asked for the prayers of the faithful—had strange feelings, prayed and wept and thought they had been "born again."

From Project Gutenberg

The first thing to attract his eyes was the sight of Shorty sitting ruefully on the "mourners' bench," as the boys called the settee at the foot of the class.

From Project Gutenberg