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.

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Etymology

Origin of anxious seat

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anxious seat

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

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

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

So, wife! thou hast known this all day, and let me sit out there in the quarry, on the anxious seat, in the midst of grief, tolling away till night at the poor-sinners'-bell?

From Hesperus or Forty-Five Dog-Post-Days Vol. II A Biography by Jean Paul

"I have been on the anxious seat ever since I received your telegram."

From Randy of the River The Adventures of a Young Deckhand by Alger, Horatio