board
• noun 1 a long, thin, flat piece of wood used in building. 2 a thin, flat, rectangular piece of stiff material used for various purposes. 3 the decision-making body of an organization. 4 the provision of regular meals in return for payment. • verb 1 get on or into (a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle). 2 receive meals and accommodation in return for payment. 3 (of a pupil) live in school during term time. 4 (board up/over) cover or seal with pieces of wood. — PHRASES go by the board (of a plan or principle) be abandoned or rejected. from nautical use meaning fall overboard , the board meaning the side of a ship. on board on or in a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle. take on board informal fully consider or assimilate (a new idea or situation). tread the boards informal appear on stage as an actor. — ORIGIN Old English.
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