Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cater \Ca"ter\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Catered}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Catering}.] [From {Cater}, n.]
   1. To provide food; to buy, procure, or prepare provisions.

            [He] providently caters for the sparrow. --Shak.

   2. By extension: To supply what is needed or desired, at
      theatrical or musical entertainments; -- followed by for
      or to.

Cater \Ca"ter\, n. [F. quatre four.]
   The four of cards or dice.

Cater \Ca"ter\, v. t.
   To cut diagonally. [Obs.] --Halliwell.

Cater \Ca"ter\, n. [OE. catour purchaser, caterer, OF. acator,
   fr. acater, F. acheter, to buy, provide, fr. LL. accaptare;
   L. ad + captare to strive, to seize, intens, of capere to
   take, seize. Cf. {Acater}, {Capacious}.]
   A provider; a purveyor; a caterer. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

Source : WordNet®

cater
     v 1: provide what is desired or needed, especially support, food
          or sustenance; "The hostess provided lunch for all the
          guests" [syn: {provide}, {supply}, {ply}]
     2: supply food ready to eat; for parties and banquets