What is the meaning of the furniture term Dumbwaiter?

A dumbwaiter refers to a small, wheeled cart or a table with movable shelves used for transporting food, dishes, or other items between floors or rooms within a building. It is designed to make serving food or carrying heavy objects more efficient and convenient. The name dumbwaiter originated from the fact that these devices were often used discreetly in households, allowing for the discreet movement of items without the need for human assistance, hence the dumb in the name. Three or four circular trays graduated in size from the largest at the bottom, revolving about a central shaft.