What is a cockfight chair?

cockfighting chair, chair with broad armrests that form a yoke with the back rail, to which a reading desk is attached. Broad in front but curving inward toward the back, the seat was shaped so that a reader could easily sit astride, facing the desk at the back of the chair and resting his arms on the ends of the yoke.

Why is it called cockfighting chair?

Designed so a male reader could sit astride facing the adjustable book ledge, the chair features a candle holder in one arm and a tray for writing implements in the other. … Curiously, this form also became known as a cockfight chair, and was depicted in illustrations of cockfights.

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