Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. to manage a house, to organize the servants.

1934

A. Russell Tramp-Royal 20: It was Tuck’s job to find the way; mine to ‘boss up’ the loads, so that nothing might fall from the packs.

2. to work hard.

1892

J.R. Couper Mixed Humanity 344: You had better boss up. Remember that your husband is watching you.