boarding-out

boarding-out

A family welcomes a child for boarding-out during the holidays.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The practice of placing children (especially poor or orphaned children) in private homes for care and maintenance, often at public expense: "boarding-out" refers to a system where children are sent to live with families rather than in institutions.
    • The arrangement of taking meals regularly at a place other than one's own home: "boarding-out" can also mean the practice of eating meals (especially dinner) at a boarding house or restaurant on a subscription basis, rather than cooking at home.
Usage Examples
  • (Placing children in private homes for care.)
  • (Eating meals regularly at a boarding house or restaurant.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Boarding-out system": a structured program where children are placed with foster families.

    • The boarding-out system was considered more humane than large orphanages. (The practice of placing children in family homes.)

  • "Boarding-out allowance": financial support given to families who take in boarders.

    • The local council provided a boarding-out allowance to foster parents. (Money paid to families caring for placed children.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Board out (verb phrase): to arrange for someone (especially a child) to live and eat with a family in exchange for payment.

    • They decided to board out their son with a relative while they traveled. (To place him in a private home for care.)

  • Boarder (noun): a person who pays to live and/or eat in someone else's home.

    • The house had three boarders who paid for their meals. (People who board.)
Synonyms
  • Foster care: the system of placing children in the care of non-biological families.
  • Outplacement: the act of finding a home or placement for someone outside an institution.
  • Catering out: the practice of having meals served away from home (less common).
Related Idioms

  • Board and lodging: food and accommodation provided together.

    • The job offered board and lodging as part of the salary. (Meals and a place to stay.)

  • To board out: to arrange for someone to live and eat elsewhere.

    • They had to board out their elderly mother when they moved abroad. (To place her in a care home or with family.)