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plural tantaluses
A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana. examples
A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible. quotations examples
Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest.
1904, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of Black Peter, Norton, published 2005, page 984
“A small boy, sir. Said I was to be sure and see you got it most particular.” He unlocked a cupboard near the window and produced a tantalus. “Whisky, sir, or cocktail?”
1920, Herman Cyril McNeile, chapter 1, in Bulldog Drummond
And stockrooms heavy with the Tantaluson which the family fortune has been made
1960, John Betjeman, Summoned by Bells, John Murray, page 10
Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing. quotations examples
Over all, there brooded the shadow of his injuries and the tantalus of their slow healing.
1953, Ian Fleming, Casino Royale, Penguin Classics, published 2004, page 149