[tab.leau] n, pl tab.leaux also tableaus [F, fr. MF tablel, dim. of table, fr. OF] (1699) 1: a graphic description or representation: picture "winsome tableaux of old-fashioned literary days --J. D. Hart"
2: a striking or artistic grouping 3 [short for tableau vivant (fr. F, lit., living picture)]: a depiction of a scene usu. presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants