Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Boarding \Board"ing\, n.
   1. (Naut.) The act of entering a ship, whether with a hostile
      or a friendly purpose.

            Both slain at one time, as they attempted the
            boarding of a frigate.                --Sir F.
                                                  Drake.

   2. The act of covering with boards; also, boards,
      collectively; or a covering made of boards.

   3. The act of supplying, or the state of being supplied, with
      regular or specified meals, or with meals and lodgings,
      for pay.

   {Boarding house}, a house in which boarders are kept.

   {Boarding nettings} (Naut.), a strong network of cords or
      ropes erected at the side of a ship to prevent an enemy
      from boarding it.

   {Boarding pike} (Naut.), a pike used by sailors in boarding a
      vessel, or in repelling an attempt to board it. --Totten.

   {Boarding school}, a school in which pupils receive board and
      lodging as well as instruction.

Source : WordNet®

boarding house
     n : a private house that provides accommodations and meals for
         paying guests [syn: {boardinghouse}]