E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bench and Bar.
Judges and pleaders. The bench is the seat on which a judge sits. The bar of a court was formerly a wooden barrier, to separate the counsel from the audience. Now, silk gowns (q.v.) sit nearer the judge, and their juniors behind them. (See BARRISTERS.)
