in a general sense, is used in opposition to whatever is constrained or necessitated. When applied to things endowed with understanding, it more peculiarly relates to the liberty of the will.

Free Bench, signifies that estate in copyhold which the wife, being espoused a virgin, has after the decease of her husband for her dower, according to the custom of the manor.

In regard to this free bench, different manors have different customs: and in the manor of East and West Enbourne in the county of Berks, and in other parts of England, there is a custom, that when a copyhold tenant dies, the widow shall have her free bench in all the deceased husband's lands, dum jola et cafla fuerit, "while she lives single and chaste;" but if she is found to be guilty of incontinency, she shall forfeit her estate. Nevertheless, upon her coming into the court of the manor riding backwards on a black ram, with his tail in her hand, rehearsing a certain form of words, the reward is bound by custom to restore her to her free bench. The words are,

Here I am, Riding on a black Ram, Like a whore as I am; And for my crincum crancum Have lost my bincum bancum, And for my tail's game Have done this worldly fame: Therefore, pray Mr Steward, let me have my land again.