The traditional bench-long seats in churches. The term originated from the French word, PUIE, "a raised place," which was used to describe the boxed, balcony seats in a theater. In precolonial days, the term became identified with the enclosed boxed seats in a church sanctuary, and later to all church bench seats. Other tradition says that the term originated from pioneer days when bathing was sometimes infrequent, and the bench seats retained the odor from users.

long wooden benches used as seating in a house of worship

The benches where members of the congregation are seated. Some churches have chairs rather than pews. In some very old churches you will find box pews - pews with very high sides, backs and fronts.

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