bed board

or bedboard

noun

1. a thin, rigid board placed between a mattress and bedspring to give firm support.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bed board¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

The city’s tax on bars, restaurants and hotels - called the bed, board and beverage tax - increased by 8 percent.

From Washington Times

Every June, the Aberdeen City Council reviews requests for the promotion fund, which is comprised of revenue from the city’s 1 percent bed, board and booze tax.

From Washington Times

He reprised the impulsive Antoine three years later in Truffaut’s contribution to the omnibus film “Love at Twenty” and in three subsequent features — “Stolen Kisses,” “Bed & Board” and “Love on the Run” — while appearing in several other Truffaut films.

From New York Times

But the best de Chirico, from 1927, tiptoes into the present with an easy chair, cabinet, bed board and a scrap of a marble post and lintel.

From New York Times

The answer, besides the usual bed, board and medical insurance, included $78,000 in college fees, some of which could be transferred to a close relative; professional training, including for 46 jobs that still offer a fat signing-on bonus; and post-service careers advice.

From Economist