The correct translation is the footstead, or by the feet. Placing tefillin under the foot of one's bed is forbidden. The benches in many synagogues that have a box underneath them for storing Tallisos and Tefillin are the subject of disagreement - some say that it is forbidden to sit on them, while others permit it. However, when there is a gap of one handsbreadth of free space in the box, it is certainly permitted to sit on the benches. And if the benches are nailed into the wall, then it is permissible to sit upon them.
Bread is considered the main food at a real meal.
As we fear perhaps he will become drunk at the meal and act disgracefully with his tfillin on.