Where does the term room and board come from?

The term "room and board" originates from the practice of providing both accommodation (room) and meals (board) to individuals, particularly in the context of inns and boarding houses. "Board" historically referred to the wooden board on which meals were served, emphasizing the provision of food. The phrase has evolved to describe a common arrangement in various settings, including schools and shared living situations, where both housing and meals are included in one package.