free bench Law.
Also free bank.
(See quot. 1670.)
| 1670 Blount Law Dict., Free-bench..signifies that estate in Copihold Lands which the Wife, being espoused a Virgin, hath, after the death of her Husband, for her Dower, according to the custom of the Mannor. 1714 Spect. No. 614 ¶16 The Steward is bound by the Custom to re-admit her to her Free-Bench. 1764 Kirby Suffolk Trav. (ed. 2) 27 To hold in Name of Free-bank. 1818 Cruise Digest (ed. 2) I. 328 If the widow be entitled to the whole of the copyhold, as her free bench, she may enter immediately. |