pew

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   One of the long benches in a church, seating several persons, usually fixed to the floor and facing the chancel.

   In many churches some pews are reserved for either clerical or liturgical officials such as canons, or for prominent families.

2. 2
   noun

   The congregation of a church.

   I think a lot of Americans are actually searching for a church that’s relatively apolitical in the pulpit and the pews.

3. 3
   noun

   An enclosed compartment in a church which provides seating for a group of people, often a prominent family.

   At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, firefighters in dress blues and white gloves escorted families to the pews for a memorial service, led by Mr. Bloomberg, to honor the 343 Fire Department employees killed on 9/11.

4. 4
   noun

   Any structure shaped like a church pew, such as a stall, formerly used by money lenders, etc.; a box in a theatre; or a pen or sheepfold.

   [H]e, a lollard indeed over his elbovv-cuſhion, in almoſt the ſeaventh part of 40. or 50. years teaches them ſcarce half the principles of religion; and his ſheep oft-times ſit the vvhile to as little purpoſe of benifiting as the ſheep in thir pues at Smithfield; […].

From Middle English pewe, from Old French puiee, puïe (“balustrade, balcony”), from Latin podia, plural of podium (“parapet, podium”), from Ancient Greek πόδιον (pódion, “little foot”), from πούς (poús, “foot”). Doublet of podia.

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