backbench
backbench Lexical Profile
backbench Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
British Relating to, characteristic of, or denoting members of a parliament who do not hold ministerial office or official frontbench leadership positions.
"The prime minister faced a growing backbench rebellion over the proposed tax increases."
• noun
British Any of the rows of seats in the British House of Commons or another Westminster-style legislature located behind the front benches and occupied by members who do not hold government office or shadow cabinet positions.
"After resigning from the cabinet over a policy disagreement, the former minister returned to the backbenches."
British The rank-and-file members of a parliament who do not hold government or official opposition posts, considered collectively.
"The party leadership worked tirelessly to win over the skeptical backbench before the crucial vote."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 19th century as a compound of 'back' and 'bench', referring to the seating layout of the British House of Commons, where cabinet ministers and shadow cabinet members occupy the front rows and rank-and-file MPs sit behind them.