[f. BUFF v.3 to polish with a buff.]
a. A workman or workwoman who buffs knives, plate, etc. b. = BUFF sb.2 4. c. In Photography, A machine used for polishing daguerreotype plates.
1854. Scoffern, in Orr’s Circ. Sc., Chem. 90. Exposing them [Daguerreotype plates] to the friction of rubbers or buffers of cotton velvet or doeskin.
1875. Ure, Dict. Arts, II. 3. The application of the highest polish by the use of a buffer.
1882. Times, 27 June, 11/5. Robert Taylor, comb buffer, London-road, was convicted of cutting off his dog’s ears.
