(nautical) One of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows on the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard.
1940, Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely, Penguin 2010, p. 125:He had a nice breath. Haig and Haig at least. ‘You've been at the sideboy again,’ I said.
1989, Larry Collins, Maze:More discreetly set on the sideboy were bottles of vodka and whiskey and a box of Cuban cigars.
2000, Robert William Bruce, Power Vortex:A coffeepot was perking on a sideboy and the two men poured a cup of Kona before sitting down in comfortable leather covered chairs.
