[Sca-cooks] nibbling and buffet tables and such

[Pixel, Goddess and Queen]

Forgot to mention this before I sent--

I think the buffet is more of a modern invention. Merriam-Webster gives
1718 for the meaning of food out on a table. Somebody with the OED, when
does buffet start meaning "food out on a table" instead of just
"furniture"?

Margaret

On Thu, 10 Jan 2002, Ted Eisenstein wrote:

> A question that occurred to me on another list. . .
>
> There is a custom in some kingdoms (well, in at least one. . . )
> of having a table of nibbles and bite-sized cocktail-party-type
> food outside a vigil tent, for those waiting in line to talk to the
> person on vigil and interested bystanders.
>
> Was there anything remotely like this, in period? Not necessarily
> outside a vigil tent, but more generic; a table or five, full of
> small food items, for, oh, breaking a fast on a major high holy
> day when there's no time for a regular breakfast, or to last you
> until the real breakfast, or before or right after courts or
> gatherings-of-lords-and-retainers to discuss business. You know,
> a buffet, for when there wasn't time for a full meal, or people
> simply needed something to tide them over?
>
> Alban