I need to know where the phrase 'room and board' originated and what does it mean?

Friar Tuck

When monks travelled around Europe (hundreds of years ago), any monestary they happened upon would give them lodging, consisting of a room (to live in) and a board (to lie down and sleep on). According to http://www.isye.gatech.edu/faculty/Joel_Sokol/etym.html Mar 21 03, 8:23 AM

Friar Tuck

I had thought that the board represented the table that food was provided on as in board and lodging. So 'room and board' would be somewhere to sleep and have meals. This is reinforced by the American phrase 'room only' when you book hotels Mar 21 03, 8:30 AM

Jimmy

Room refers to lodging and board to food hence the phrases full board and half board. The former means that you get breakfast, lunch and dinner with your room and the latter means without lunch. Mar 21 03, 9:30 AM

nathanopie

OK I found the answer... Room means, just that and Board was a wodden board that you ate off of before plates and silverware. The board had what is called a trench carved into one side to put the food into, like a bowl. It goes along with the phrase, You can't eat dessert until you eat your dinner. because you would flip the 12inch by 12inch board over to the flat side to eat your cake. It is also where the phrase '3 square meals' comes from. If this sounds correct let me know. Mar 23 03, 1:17 AM