What is this piece? wooden bench, usually with arms and a high back

• A. Settle
• B. Settee
• C. Chair
• D. Bench

Answer: (A)

In interior history, naming seating hinges on form and construction. A wooden seat with arms and a high back is best known as a settle. It’s a solid, enclosed bench designed to wrap around the sitter a bit and often used in halls or entryways to ward off drafts, reflecting its sturdy wood construction. A settee, by contrast, is an upholstered sofa designed for lounging, not a heavy wooden back; a chair is typically a single-seat piece with a back but not a long, enclosed bench; and a bench generally refers to a long seat that may lack a back or has a much simpler back. Because the description emphasizes a wooden, enclosed bench with a tall back and arms, settle fits best.