from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cupboard \Cup"board\ (k[u^]b"b[~e]rd), n. [Cup + board.]
1. A board or shelf for cups and dishes. [Obs.] --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
2. A small closet in a room, with shelves to receive cups,
dishes, food, etc.; hence, any small closet.
[1913 Webster]
{Cupboard love}, interested love, or that which has an eye to
the cupboard. "A cupboard love is seldom true." --Poor
Robin. [Colloq.]
{To cry cupboard}, to call for food; to express hunger.
[Colloq.] "My stomach cries cupboard." --W. Irving.
[1913 Webster]