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

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

Authorities said they were discovered missing during a midnight bed check.

From Washington Times • Jul. 14, 2015

In the very first Super Bowl, legendary Green Bay boss Vince Lombardi threatened a $10,000 fine — real money back in 1967 — for anybody who missed bed check the night before the game.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2011

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

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein