parlour-boarder

A parlour-boarder enjoys tea with the headmaster's family in the drawing room.

Definition

Noun: A "parlour-boarder" refers to a student who lives in the household of a school principal or headmaster, rather than in a regular boarding house or dormitory. This arrangement typically allowed the student to be treated more like a family member, enjoying the comforts of the principal's home (often the "parlour," or formal living room) while attending the school.

Usage Examples

• (The student lived in the principal's home and was cared for like family.)
• (The student enjoyed the privileges of the principal's house.)
• (The school accepted students who lived with the headmaster.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: In 19th- and early 20th-century British boarding schools, a "parlour-boarder" was a status symbol — often wealthier or more privileged students who paid extra for this private accommodation.

  • The parlour-boarder dined with the headmaster's family, while other boarders ate in the school hall. (The student had a higher social standing within the school.)

• "to be a parlour-boarder": to reside in the headmaster's home as a student.

  • He was a parlour-boarder at Eton, living with the headmaster and his family. (He stayed in the principal's private residence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Parlour (n): a formal living room or sitting room in a house.

  • The parlour was reserved for guests and special occasions.

• Boarder (n): a student who lives at a school during term time.

  • The school had both day students and boarders.

• Parlour-boarder (alternative spelling): Sometimes written as "parlour boarder" (without a hyphen).

  • She was listed as a parlour boarder in the school records.

Synonyms

• Residential pupil: a student who lives at the school.
• Live-in student: a student who resides in the school's accommodation.

Phrasal Verbs

• Board with: to live temporarily in someone's home, often for a fee.
  • The parlour-boarder boarded with the headmaster's family. (The student lived with the principal's household.)

Related Idioms

• Parlour tricks: entertaining but trivial skills or actions (not directly related to "parlour-boarder," but shares the word "parlour").

  • He showed off his parlour tricks to amuse the guests. (He performed simple, amusing feats.)

• Board and lodging: accommodation and meals provided for a fee.

  • The parlour-boarder received board and lodging from the headmaster. (The student got a room and food as part of the arrangement.)