sideboy

noun — 2 senses

sideboy

noun

Etymology From side + boy.

1

Nautical, Transport One of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows on the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard.

2

US, Colloquial A small dresser; a drinks cabinet.

  • He had a nice breath. Haig and Haig at least. ‘You've been at the sideboy again,’ I said.1940, Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely, Penguin, published 2010, page 125:
  • More discreetly set on the sideboy were bottles of vodka and whiskey and a box of Cuban cigars.1989, Larry Collins, Maze:
1 more example
  • A coffeepot was perking on a sideboy and the two men poured a cup of Kona before sitting down in comfortable leather covered chairs.2000, Robert William Bruce, Power Vortex:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.