Where does “buffer” come from?

Buffer comes from Middle French buffle, though its precise original meaning and sense development remain uncertain.

buffer (English): Someone or something that buffs; A solution used...

Definitions

  1. Someone or something that buffs; A solution used...

Ancestry of “buffer”, step by step

buffer traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English buff

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishbuffUndyed leather from the skin of buffalo or...
2Englishbuffeleather
3Middle Frenchbufflebuffalo

via Middle English buff

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishbuffmake a dull sound when struck

Words derived from “buffer

Every word from Middle French buffleEvery word from English buffeEvery word from English buff