bed board

American  

Or bedboard

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of bed board

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

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

The money came from increased taxation of the poor who saw a war as an opportunity for a few years of guaranteed bed, board and wages, which was more than they could count on in Britain.

From The Guardian