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, 1 Nov., ¶ 16. If she will come into the Court riding backward upon a Black Ram, with his Tail in her Hand, and say the Words following, the Steward is bound by the Custom to re-admit her to her Free-Bench.
Here I am, | |
Riding upon a Black Ram, | |
Like a Whore as I am. |
1764. Kirby, Suffolk Trav. (ed. 2), 27. To hold in Name of Free-bank, while she keeps her Widowhood.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), I. 3289. If the widow be entitled to the whole of the copyhold, as her free bench, she may enter immediately; as the law casts the possession upon her, in the same manner as it does upon the heir, in cases of descent.