anxious seat

American  

[angk-shuhs seet, ang-] / ˈæŋk ʃəs ˌsit, ˈæŋ- /

noun

1. Also called anxious bench.  Chiefly North Atlantic States and Southern and South Midland U.S. a seat reserved at a revival meeting for those troubled by conscience and eager for spiritual assistance.

2. a state of anxiety, especially about the outcome of a vote, negotiation, etc..

   Strikers have been in the anxious seat for the last three days.

---

Etymology

Origin of anxious seat

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anxious seat

Other items which Sir William traces far include: absquatulate, anxious seat, slam bang, cinch, lengthy, maverick, rain check, barn stormer, cowcatcher, calamity howler, greased lightning, rambunctious.

From Time Magazine Archive

Calvin Coolidge has had everybody on the anxious seat for months as to who he would sup port in the November handicap.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Do you think you can hold on?" asked Buck, beginning to lower away with tantalizing slowness, as though he enjoyed keeping Fred on the anxious seat.

From Fred Fenton on the Track or, The Athletes of Riverport School by Chapman, Allen

Now, if he’s all fair and square and means business—” “You’re always on the anxious seat of lovers,” said Louie, “and you seem to have them by dozens.”

From The Girls at Mount Morris by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

During this time Mrs. Dare had been on the anxious seat, so to speak.

From The Dare Boys of 1776 by Cox, Stephen Angus