buffet

buffet¹

—buffeter, n.

/buf"it/, n., v., buffeted, buffeting.

n.

1. a blow, as with the hand or fist.

2. a violent shock or concussion.

v.t.

3. to strike, as with the hand or fist.

4. to strike against or push repeatedly: The wind buffeted the house.

5. to contend against; battle.

v.i.

6. to struggle with blows of hand or fist.

7. to force one's way by a fight, struggle, etc.

[1175-1225; ME < OF buffe a blow + -et -ET]

Syn. 3. slap, cuff, box, hit, sock, wallop.

buffet²

/beuh fay", boo-/ or, esp. for adj., /booh"fay/; Brit. /buf"it/, n.

1. a sideboard or cabinet for holding china, table linen, etc.

2. a meal laid out on a table or sideboard so that guests may serve themselves.

3. a counter, bar, or the like, for lunch or refreshments.

4. a restaurant containing such a counter or bar.

adj.

5. consisting of food, refreshments, etc., laid out on tables or buffets from which guests or customers serve themselves: a buffet supper; buffet service.

[1710-20; < F, OF, of obscure orig.]

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