The word 'dresser' is derived from the French word 'dressoir' described in a number of sources as: French Furniture: a cabinet of the 18th century, having a number of shallow shelves for dishes over a base with drawers and closed cupboards.
'In medieval times the dressoir, as it was termed, stood in the grandest halls. Sometimes painted and gilded, sometimes ornately carved and draped in sumptuous textiles, this was an imposing, high-status object on which silver, plate, flagons of wine, spices and food were laid out.'
'In France, the number of shelves a dressoir had reflected the status of the owner. In the most stately houses steps were needed to reach the upper level' www.homesandantiques.com/antiques/the-history-of-the-dresser/