BUFFET

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of buffe blow Date: 13th century a blow especially with the hand, something that strikes with telling force, II. verb Date: 13th century transitive verb to strike sharply especially with the hand ; cuff , to strike repeatedly ; batter , to drive, force, move, or attack by or as if by repeated blows, intransitive verb to make one's way especially under difficult conditions, III. noun Etymology: French Date: 1718 sideboard , 2. a counter for refreshments, a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station), a meal set out on a ~ or table for ready access and informal service, IV. adjective Date: 1898 served informally (as from a ~)