[pyoo] 
| 1. | (in a church) one of a number of fixed, benchlike seats with backs, accessible by aisles, for the use of the congregation. |
| 2. | an enclosed seat in a church, or an enclosure with seats, usually reserved for a family or other group of worshipers. |
| 3. | those occupying pews; congregation. |
| pew (pyōō) n.
[Middle English pewe, probably from Old French puie, balcony, from Latin podia, pl. of podium, balcony; see podium.] |
pew
originally a raised and enclosed place in a church designed for an ecclesiastical dignitary or officer; the meaning was later extended to include special seating in the body of the church for distinguished laity and, finally, to include all church seating. In its early stages, the pew was meant for standing in and was close in conception to a pulpit; but in its second phase of development, it became an elaborate wooden structure, shut off from the main body of the nave, with seats, prayer benches, and other accessories. Such pews were owned by individuals or institutions and appeared both in wills and in legal actions
Learn more about pew with a free trial on Britannica.com.
