bencher

noun

1. (Canada)A senior member of a law society in a Canadian province (except New Brunswick).
2. (British)One of the senior governing members of an Inn of Court.

   “There is Pump Court and Fountain Court, with their hydraulic apparatus, but one never heard of a bencher disporting in the fountain; and can’t but think how many a counsel learned in the law of old days might have benefited by the pump.”

3. (UK, obsolete)An alderman of a corporation.

   “ten of them Aldermen, or chief Benchers”

4. (obsolete)A member of a court or council.

   “Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter / giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the / Capitol.”

5. (obsolete)One who frequents the benches of a tavern; an idler.