Where did the word buffet originate?

The word "buffet" comes from the French word "buffet," which originally referred to a sideboard or a small cabinet used for storing and displaying food and drink.

The word "buffet" later came to refer to the type of meal served on such a sideboard, where guests could help themselves to a variety of dishes laid out on the table.

This style of dining became popular in France in the 18th century, and the word "buffet" spread to other languages, including English.