Cater
/ˈkeɪ.tər/noun
To provide food and drink, typically for social events or gatherings.
Did you know?The origin of 'cater' points back to a time when it was associated with providing for one's destiny, as it derives from Latin 'cattorum', meaning a provider or caretaker.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
cater
“To provide or supply food.”
Old French
Old French
acater
“To buy, procure.”
Latin
Latin
capitare
“To take, capture.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kap-
“To seize or take.”
Explore more surprising origins