I. ˈbə-fət noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of buffe blow
Date: 13th century
1. : a blow especially with the hand
2. : something that strikes with telling force
II. verb
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to strike sharply especially with the hand : cuff
2. : to strike repeatedly : batter
the waves buffet ed the shore
3. : 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. (ˌ)bə-ˈfā, bü-ˈ, Brit esp ˈbü-ˌ noun
Etymology: French
Date: 1718
1. : sideboard
2.
a. : a counter for refreshments
b. chiefly British : a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station)
c. : a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service
IV. same as 3 adjective
Date: 1898
: served informally (as from a buffet)