Etymology

by-table

Today it means: A small table intended to be placed next to the wall or in the corner of a room, often in contrast to a larger (e.g. dining) table. Full definition →

First used 17ᵗʰ to early 19ᵗʰ century.
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The story

From by- + table.

First known use, by meaning

  • 17ᵗʰ to early 19ᵗʰ century. A small table intended to be placed next to the wall or in the corner of a room, often in contrast to a larger (e.g. dining) table.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.