'banquet' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'banchetto' (a diminutive of 'banco'), where 'banco' meant 'bench' or 'table'.

'banquet' changed from Italian 'banchetto' and Middle French 'banquet' and eventually became the modern English word 'banquet'.

Initially it referred to a 'small bench' or 'a little table' (and by extension a small meal or display). Over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a large, formal feast or meal'.