endure (ability to . . . ) n.: sitzfleisch. [German]
[This word, which literally means seatflesh, refers to the ability to sit still for long periods of time, or more generally, the ability to endure or persevere at an activity. The example given here is somewhat more literalthan others, which have nothing to do with literally sitting in a seat, though this usage of the word is not uncommon.]
Some prominent seats [at the State of the Union address] go to those with prominence. Others go to those with sitzfleisch, like Representative Eliot L. Engel. Every year since 1989, the Bronx Democrat has won a prime spot at the . . . Address simply by showing up early and sitting in it. [He and others] grab a seat along the aisle, the ones whose occupants get to shake hands with the President—and are shown on national TV doing so. (Elizabeth Kolbert, “An Aisle Seat in the House or the Titanic,” New York Times, 1/30/1998.)
