Dictionary

sideboy en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (US) audio

Etymology

From side + boy.

Meanings

1. 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:
   • 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:
   • More discreetly set on the sideboy were bottles of vodka and whiskey and a box of Cuban cigars. 1989, Larry Collins, Maze:

Forms