tantalus1
/ˈtantələs
/noun British
A stand in which spirit decanters may be locked up though still visible.More affordable are Victorian decanters and a tantalus, a lockable case usually made to hold three cut-glass decanters....
- This tantalus is decorated with exquisitely carved exterior: on the top is a vignette comprised of three birds; a chick and the chick's parents.
- At his Street sale on the Tuesday, there is a pair of late 19th century baluster-shaped glass decanters with diamond-cut decoration (estimate 80 to 100) and two late Victorian oak tantalus, each with a very affordable estimate of 100 to 150.
Tantalus2
/ˈtantələs/Greek Mythology
A Lydian king, son of Zeus and father of Pelops. For his crimes (which included killing Pelops) he was punished by being provided with fruit and water which receded when he reached for them. His name is the origin of the word tantalize.