Bencher
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
A senior In the Inns of Court, intrusted with their government or direction. The benchers have the absolute and irresponsible power of punishing a barrister guilty of misconduct, by either admonishing or rebuking him, by prohibiting him from dining in the hall, or even by expelling him from the bar, called "disbarring." They might also refuse admission to a student, or reject his call to the bar. Wharton. BENE (Lat.)
In old English law. Well; sufficiently; in due form; safely. Bene et in pace, well and in peace, Magna Cart. Johan. c. 63. See "Biens." BENEDICTA EST EXPOSITIO QUANDO res redimitur a destructione. Blessed is the exposition when the thing is saved from destruction. 4 Coke, 26.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916