[f. SWITCH sb. 3 b + BOARD sb.) A board or frame bearing a set of switches for connecting and disconnecting the various circuits of an electrical system, as of a telegraph, telephone, etc.
1884. Pall Mall G., 8 July, 2/1. The necessary batteries and switchboards.
1889. Preece & Maier, Telephone, xiv. 216. The switchboard is an apparatus which enables each subscriber of the telephonic network to call the exchange and to enter into communication with it, and which further enables the operator at the exchange to effect the connection of any two subscribers in the shortest and safest manner.
1918. R. K. Moulton, in Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA), 11 Aug., II. 4/3.
| Don’t talk as to the maid of old | |
| And mortal vengeance vow, | |
| For a husky guy | |
| With a trigger eye | |
| Is boss of the switchboard now. |
