PEW

The Pew was originally a raised and enclosed place in a church designed for an ecclesiastical dignitary or officer; and was later extended to include special seating in the body of the church for distinguished laity and, finally, to include all church seating. It consists of a long, backed oak or pine bench with a hinged or fixed kneeling board. The upright ends were squared off or terminated in a finial or other carved ornament.

Picture taken from : www.dumaspews.com

Acknowledgement: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/454697/pew