BUFFET

v. & n. --v. (buffeted, buffeting) 1 tr. a strike or knock repeatedly (wind buffeted the trees). b strike, esp. repeatedly, with the hand or fist. 2 tr. (of fate etc.) treat badly; plague (cheerful though buffeted by misfortune). 3 a intr. struggle; fight one's way (through difficulties etc.). b tr. contend with (waves etc.). --n. 1 a blow, esp. of the hand or fist. 2 a shock. [ME f. OF dimin. of bufe blow]