crossbench meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

crossbench

noun

Etymology From cross- + bench.

Government, Politics Australian, New Zealand The political parties and/or members of a legislature that do not form part of the governing party or coalition, nor the official opposition (the largest party or coalition not in government).

crossbench

adj

Etymology From cross- + bench.

Government, Politics Australian, New Zealand Of or pertaining to a legislature's crossbench.

Government, Politics UK, Alternative Alternative form of cross-bench.

Mary Warnock is a philosopher and crossbench peer.2009 April 12, Diane Abbott, Donald MacLeod, Mary Warnock, Barbara Gunnell, “What dilemma would you give a five-year-old?”, in The Observer:
Network Rail Chairman Sir Peter Hendy CBE has been nominated for a Crossbench Peerage.2022 November 2, “Network News: Sir Peter Hendy destined for House of Lords”, in RAIL, number 969, page 21:

Derived terms: crossbencher