A person employed to obtain and maintain the storage of provisions, especially food.
1821 June 19, ”Peregrine,” The Traveller: Letter IV, in The Kaleidoscope; Or, Literary and Scientific Mirror, page 401,
It was in vain that I petitioned, appealing to our caterer, if proofs of appetite were wanting; for sick men seldom have occasion for that important person′s services.
A person or company hired to provide and serve food, usually for a large group and at a location separate from where the food is prepared.
1994, John N. Ingham, Lynne B. Feldman, Dutrieuille, Peter Albert (1838—1916) and Albert E. Dutrieuille (July 26, 1877—April 25, 1974), entry in African-American Business Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary, page 225,
From a family of French West African descent, Albert Dutrieuille was the last of the great African-American caterers in Philadelphia.