The word "buffet" can have two meanings depending on the context. In the context of food, "buffet" refers to a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a table. In another context, it can mean to strike something repeatedly or to knock it about, often used in the phrase "buffeted by the winds," which suggests being tossed or forced around by external forces.
The word "buffet" originates from the Middle French word "bufet," which means a side table or counter. It has evolved over time to refer to both the style of dining and the act of striking. The striking meaning may have roots connected to the Old French word "bufet," which means to knock or hit.