What is meant by the term "star boarder"?

Question

My grandfather used to jokingly refer to me as the star boarder, as I stayed over their house every Saturday night while growing up. I always wondered if this was a term of endearment or if it was something a bit cynical.

Answer 1

In early 1900 many singles rented one room in someone else's house.

The person that paid their rent on time and lived there the longest was called a star border.  Grandpa means you are at his house a lot and he loves having you there