{"era":"current","word":"buffet","meaning":"A meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves.","children":[{"era":"17th century","word":"buffet","meaning":"sideboard, counter, light meal","children":[{"era":"1200s","word":"buffet","meaning":"stool, side table","children":[{"era":"pre-1100","word":"*buff-","meaning":"strike, push (possibly related to striking a counter)","children":[],"language":"unattested Germanic/Frankish"}],"language":"Old French"}],"language":"French"}],"language":"Modern English"}