Buffer \Buff"er\ (b[u^]f"[~e]r), 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 receives 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)