Buff"er (?), n. [Prop a striker. See Buffet a blow.]
1. Mech. (a)
An elastic apparatus or fender, for deadening the jar caused by the collision of bodies; as, a buffer at the end of a railroad car.
(b)
A pad or cushion forming the end of a fender, which recieves the blow; -- sometimes called buffing apparatus.
2.
One who polishes with a buff.
3.
A wheel for buffing; a buff.
4.
A good-humored, slow-witted fellow; -- usually said of an elderly man.
[Colloq.]
Dickens.
© Webster 1913.