In a legislature, the seating area for independent members who don't belong to major political parties; also a medieval ledge built across a church.
Compound from 'cross' + 'bench,' with origins in both parliamentary and architectural contexts. Parliamentary usage became standard in British government.
Crossbenchers in Parliament are often kingmakers because they can vote with either major party—in close elections, a handful of independent MPs can literally determine which party runs the country!
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