A chief or principal bench; in medieval contexts, the most important seat of authority or judgment.
From 'arche-' (chief) combined with Old English 'banc' or 'bench.' The term likely emerged from medieval court structures where the highest judges or rulers occupied the most important bench.
In medieval courts, where you sat literally determined your power—the highest judges got the chief bench or 'archebanc.' This shows how physical position and legal authority were inseparable in ancient hierarchies!
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