1. a locked case or stand for holding decanters that are visible but not accessible
2. in Greek mythology, a king punished in Tartarus to eternal hunger and thirst with food and water always just out of reach
Usage: mythology

Examples

• The Victorian tantalus displayed fine whiskey and brandy behind locked glass.
• He kept his best spirits in an ornate tantalus to prevent the servants from sampling them.
• The antique tantalus was a centerpiece of the dining room.
• Like Tantalus reaching for fruit, she could see the books but couldn’t access the locked library.
• The myth of Tantalus explains the origin of the word ‘tantalize’.
• Tantalus was condemned to eternal torment for his crimes against the gods.