mourners' bench

American  

noun

1. (at religious revival meetings) a bench or seat at the front of the church or room, set apart for mourners or penitent sinners seeking salvation.

---

Etymology

Origin of mourners' bench

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

From his mourners' bench at South Bend, Ind., Coach Frank Leahy cried, "We'll be outweighed for the first time in two years."

From Time Magazine Archive

We hope that no hassocs will be shied in our direction as we make our way down the aile to the mourners' bench.

From Time Magazine Archive

Only producers to have had more than one hit were the Shuberts, but Gilbert Miller headed the mourners' bench with three flops.

From Time Magazine Archive

One night, during a lull in the hysteria, one Tug Beavers temporizes about going to the mourners' bench.

From Time Magazine Archive

Us Culvers were down front, one pew back from the mourners’ bench where Miss Myrt’s brother from French Lick sat.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck