n. [ F., a feast, prop. a dim. of banc bench; cf. It. banchetto, dim. of banco a bench, counter. See Bank a bench, and cf. Banquette. ] 1. A feast; a sumptuous entertainment of eating and drinking; often, a complimentary or ceremonious feast, followed by speeches. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A dessert; a course of sweetmeats; a sweetmeat or sweetmeats. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

We'll dine in the great room, but let the music
And banquet be prepared here. Massinger. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Banqueted; p. pr. & vb. n. Banqueting. ] To treat with a banquet or sumptuous entertainment of food; to feast. [ 1913 Webster ]

Just in time to banquet
The illustrious company assembled there. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To regale one's self with good eating and drinking; to feast. [ 1913 Webster ]

Were it a draught for Juno when she banquets,
I would not taste thy treasonous offer. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To partake of a dessert after a feast. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Where they did both sup and banquet. Cavendish. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment).
Syn. -- feasting. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. A bench or seat for passengers on the top of a diligence or other public vehicle. [ 1913 Webster ]

My brother-in-law . . . took refuge in the banquette. Mrs. Howe. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ F. See Banquet, n. ] 1. (Fort.) A raised way or foot bank, running along the inside of a parapet, on which musketeers stand to fire upon the enemy. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Arch.) A narrow window seat; a raised shelf at the back or the top of a buffet or dresser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who banquets; one who feasts or makes feasts. [ 1913 Webster ]