caterer

Noun

caterer (plural caterers)

1. A person employed to obtain and maintain the storage of provisions, especially food.
   • It was in vain that I petitioned, appealing to our caterer, if proofs of appetite were wanting; for sick men seldom have occasion for that important person′s services.1821 June 19, ”Peregrine,” The Traveller: Letter IV, in The Kaleidoscope; Or, Literary and Scientific Mirror, page 401
   • “I say, Mr. Cribbage,” cried an old master′s-mate, to the caterer, who had entered shortly after the tea-kettles, and assumed his place at the end of the table, “what sort of stuff do you call this?”1830, Frederick Marryat, “The King′s Own”, in The Complete Works of Captain F. Marryatt, volume I, published 1840, page 335

   Synonyms:

   cater, manciple, obsonator, steward

2. A person or company hired to provide and serve food, usually for a large group and at a location separate from where the food is prepared.
   • If so, you will probably sign a contract with a caterer months, maybe years, in advance and make a substantial down payment.1979 July 23, Andrew O. Shapiro, “Of Canceled Parties and the Beleaguered Teenager”, in New York, page 64
   • From a family of French West African descent, Albert Dutrieuille was the last of the great African-American caterers in Philadelphia.1994, John N. Ingham, Lynne B. Feldman, Dutrieuille, Peter Albert (1838—1916) and Albert E. Dutrieuille (July 26, 1877—April 25, 1974), entry in African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical...