caterer

Etymology

From cater + -er.

noun

1. A person employed to obtain and maintain the storage of provisions, especially food.
   1821 June 19, ”Peregrine,” The Traveller: Letter IV, in The Kaleidoscope; Or, Literary and Scientific Mirror, page 401, 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.
   “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
   There is a caterer for the table, whose sleekness of face, rotundity of person, and general air of comfortable well-being, do great honor to the cheer he provides. 1838, The Southern Literary Messenger, volume IV, page 263
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. July 23 1979, Andrew O. Shapiro, “Of Canceled Parties and the Beleaguered Teenager”, in New York, page 64
   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 Dictionary, page 225, From a family of French West African descent, Albert Dutrieuille was the last of the great African-American caterers in Philadelphia.
   Although many hotels work with outside Kosher caterers to provide Kosher services, some have developed their own in-house Kosher catering departments. 2008, Zushe Yosef Blech, Kosher Food Production, page 176