sideboy

plural sideboys

1. nauticalOne 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.
2. UScolloquialA small dresser; a drinks cabinet.

   He had a nice breath. Haig and Haig at least. ‘You've been at the sideboy again,’ I said.

   1940, Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely, Penguin, published 2010, page 125

   2 more examples

   More discreetly set on the sideboy were bottles of vodka and whiskey and a box of Cuban cigars.

   1989, Larry Collins, Maze

   A coffeepot was perking on a sideboy and the two men poured a cup of Kona before sitting down in comfortable leather covered chairs.

   2000, Robert William Bruce, Power Vortex