Especially in French contexts: a bedside book; a favourite book.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Fortnightly Review. From French livre de chevet from livre book + de + chevet pillow, head end of the bed, also used with reference to objects kept by the bedside.
Definition of livre de chevet in US English:
livre de chevet
nounˌliːvrə də ʃəˈveɪ
Especially in French contexts: a bedside book; a favourite book.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Fortnightly Review. From French livre de chevet from livre book + de + chevet pillow, head end of the bed, also used with reference to objects kept by the bedside.