backbencher
backbencher Lexical Profile
backbencher Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A member of a parliament or legislature (especially in Westminster-style systems) who does not hold a government ministerial office or serve as an official opposition spokesperson, and who therefore sits on the rear benches of the legislative chamber.
"Several outspoken backbenchers threatened to vote against their own party's tax bill unless concessions were made."
A rank-and-file member of an organization or group who holds relatively little authority or prominence.
"Having spent years as a quiet backbencher on the city council, she finally decided to run for mayor."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in mid-19th-century British political usage from 'back bench' and the suffix '-er', referring to the rear rows of seats in the House of Commons occupied by members of Parliament who do not hold ministerial office or front-bench leadership positions.