The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Table d'hote \Ta"ble d'h[^o]te"\ (t[.a]"bl' d[=o]t`); pl.
Tables d'h[^o]te. [F., literally, table of the landlord.]
1. A common table for guests at a hotel; an ordinary.
[1913 Webster]
2. Now, commonly, a meal, usually of several preselected and
fixed courses, in a restaurant, hotel, or the like, for
which one pays a fixed price. Sometimes, a meal with
optional courses for which one pays a fixed price
irrespective of what one orders; but the latter is
usuallyt referred to as a pris fixe meal or a a la
carte meal. Often used adjectively; as, a table-d'h[^o]te
meal.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
TABLE D'HOTE, n. A caterer's thrifty concession to the universal
passion for irresponsibility.
Old Paunchinello, freshly wed,
Took Madam P. to table,
And there deliriously fed
As fast as he was able.
"I dote upon good grub," he cried,
Intent upon its throatage.
"Ah, yes," said the neglected bride,
"You're in your _table d'hotage_."
Associated Poets