backbench

Meanings

1. relating to the back benches in parliament
2. Pertaining to the preparation of a donor organ prior to transplantation.
3. Secondary or inactive.

1. A bench at the back of a room or seating area.
2. In a house of legislature following the model of the Westminster system (such as the UK House of Commons), any bench behind either of the front benches and occupied by members of each party group who are not party leaders, cabinet ministers, holders of offices such as the whips, etc.
3. The back row of a classroom.
4. The back pew of a church.
5. A back bench in a courtroom.
6. The back seat of an automobile, van, or bus.
7. A position of secondary importance.
8. A group of top-level journalists who jointly review submissions and decide on the layout and emphasis of the newspaper.

Etymology

From back + bench.