bed check

American  

noun

1. an inspection conducted soon after bedtime or during the night, as in a barracks or dormitory, to determine the presence or absence of persons required by regulation to be in bed.

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Etymology

Origin of bed check

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

He would arrange them, careful to give each their own space on the bed, check in, and “ask them about their hearts.”

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2022

The warrants make no mention of a jailhouse brawl that sheriff's officials have said delayed completion of the evening bed check until about 9 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2016

“We’ve got lights out at 10:30 and bed check at 10:45 every night, so we’re trying to get them down early,” said Narduzzi, whose assistant coaches also take turns sleeping in the players’ dorms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 20, 2015

They were discovered missing during a midnight bed check, authorities said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 13, 2015

“Huh,” said Abby, doing a quick bed check in the kennel.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein