ale-bench

ale-bench (plural ale-benches)

1. Alternative form of alebench
   • 1600, [Michael Drayton, Richard Hathwaye, Anthony Munday, Robert Wilson], The First Part of the True and Honorable Historie, of the Life of Sir John Old-castle, the Good Lord Cobham. […], London: […] [V[alentine] S[immes]] for Thomas Pauier, […], →OCLC, signature B, recto:

     VVhen the vulgar ſort / Sit on their Ale-bench, vvith their cups and kannes, / Matters of ſtate be not their common talke, / Nor pure religion by their lips prophande.

   • 1821, Leonard Jasper Hobson, A friendly remonstrance addressed by a clergyman to his parishoners on the state of their church and parish, page 8:

     While they are so indifferent about their reputation, as to be the first and the last at the ale-bench, and even to glory in the many cups they have drunk, it ought to create no surprise, if servants are like their masters, and children their parents.

   • 1889, John Bickerdyke, The Curiosities of Ale & Beer: An Entertaining History, page 190:

     Another feature peculiar to old country inns was the ale-bench, a seat in front of the house where the thirsty wayfarer might rest and take his modest quencher.

   • 2014, R. B. Morgan, Readings in English Social History:

     Beowulf tasted the beaker on the hall-floor; no need had he to be ashamed of that bounty giving before the archers. There are not many instances of men giving to others at ale-bench four treasures gold bedight in friendlier wise.

   • 2015, Baird Tipson, Hartford Puritanism:

     “There are many,” preached Hooker, “that sit upon the ale-bench, and sweare, and drinke, and raile against Gods servants.”