(UK politics) A bench placed perpendicular to others, especially certain such benches in the House of Lords on which independent or neutral members traditionally sit.

(UK politics) Of or pertaining to the cross-benches in the UK houses of parliament.

plural of cross-bench

(politics) A member of the British House of Lords or the Senate of Canada or Australia who sits on a cross-bench, or who proclaims independence or political neutrality.

plural of cross-bencher