1. plural of tantalus: a locked case or stand for holding decanters that displays bottles but prevents access to them without a key
Usage: formal; British

Examples

• The antique shop displayed several ornate tantaluses from the Victorian era.
• His collection of tantaluses included both mahogany and walnut varieties.
• The tantaluses in the drawing room held crystal decanters of whiskey and brandy.
• She inherited her grandfather’s tantaluses along with his other bar accessories.
• The museum’s exhibit featured tantaluses used in wealthy households of the 1800s.