■ noun
1》 a piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working at.
↘food provided in a restaurant or household.
2》 a set of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns.
↘a league ~.
↘( ~s ) multiplication ~s.
3》 Architecture a flat, typically rectangular, vertical surface.
↘a horizontal moulding, especially a cornice.
↘a slab bearing an inscription.
4》 a flat surface of a gem.
↘a cut gem with two flat faces.
5》 each half or quarter of a folding board for backgammon.
6》 Bridge the dummy hand.
■ verb
1》 Brit. present formally for discussion or consideration at a meeting.
2》 chiefly US postpone consideration of.
3》 Sailing strengthen (a sail) by making a hem at the edge.
Phrases
lay something on the ~
1》 make something known so that it can be discussed.
2》 chiefly US postpone something indefinitely.
on the ~ offered for discussion.
turn the ~s turn a position of disadvantage relative to someone else into one of advantage.
under the ~
1》 informal very drunk.
2》 another term for under the counter (see counter 1 ).
Derivatives
~ful noun ( plural ~fuls ).
Origin
OE tabule 'flat slab, inscribed ~t', from L. tabula 'plank, ~t, list', reinforced in ME by OFr. ~ .