noun
settle
a wooden bench with a high back and arms
A wooden settle stands beside the cottage fireplace.
Etymology
Old English setl means a seat. The furniture noun preserves that meaning for the substantial wooden bench.
More examples
- She sat on the settle's broad seat.
- Two old settles faced each other across the room.
- The carpenter repaired the high back of the settle.
Forms
settle · settles
Similar words
- bench
- The broader seat, which may lack a high back or arms.