livery cupboard

American  

noun

1. a cupboard with pierced doors, formerly used as a storage place for food.

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Etymology

Origin of livery cupboard

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

The livery cupboard appears usually to have been placed in bedrooms, so that a supply of food and drink was readily available when a very long interval separated the last meal of the evening from the first in the morning.

From Project Gutenberg

The livery cupboard was often small enough to stand upon a sideboard or cabinet, and had an open front with a series of turned balusters.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Lyon gives these names of cupboards found in New England: Cupboard, small cupboard, great cupboard, court cupboard, livery cupboard, side cupboard, hanging cupboard, sideboard cupboard, and cupboard with drawers.

From Project Gutenberg

The livery cupboard, similar in its uses, seldom had an enclosed portion.

From Project Gutenberg

They were at this period not enclosed, but the mugs or drinking vessels were hung on hooks, and were taken down and replaced after use; a ewer and basin was also part of the complement of a livery cupboard, for cleansing these cups.

From Project Gutenberg