expression, ichidan verb
spread a bed; make a bed
Traditional expression for laying out bedding (futon) on the floor, often used in a Japanese-style room.
お客さんが来るので、床を伸べておいた。
Since guests are coming, I spread out the bedding.
More common modern expression for laying out a futon. 床を伸べる is a traditional, somewhat literary alternative.
The expression combines 床 (とこ, 'bed' or 'sleeping place') with 伸べる (のべる, 'to spread out'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects the traditional practice of laying out futons on tatami floors.