Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BY-BOARD, n. A side-table. Cf. By-table, Buird, n.1, 3. Used attrib. and fig. in quot.m.Lth. 1713 J. Munro Letters (1722) 71:
They [the divine promises] are the Wine that cheereth the Heart and the Bread that strengtheneth the same; and yet, they are our By-board Feasts, and our Inns-provision, tho' sent out of our Father's House. O what then will our own Marriage-supper with the Lamb be!