I. ˈkab-nit, ˈka-bə- noun
Etymology: Middle French, small room, diminutive of Middle French dialect (Picard) cabine gambling house
Date: circa 1550
1.
a. : a case or cupboard usually having doors and shelves
b. : a collection of specimens especially of biological or numismatic interest
c. : console 4a
d. : a chamber having temperature and humidity controls and used especially for incubating biological samples
2.
a. archaic : a small room providing seclusion
b. : a small exhibition room in a museum
3.
a. archaic
(1) : the private room serving as council chamber of the chief councillors or ministers of a sovereign
(2) : the consultations and actions of these councillors
b.
(1) often capitalized : a body of advisers of a head of state
(2) : a similar advisory council of a governor of a state or a mayor
c. British : a meeting of a cabinet
4. New England : milk shake
II. adjective
Date: 1631
1. : of or relating to a governmental cabinet
2. : suitable by reason of size for a small room or by reason of attractiveness or perfection for preservation and display in a cabinet
3.
a. : used or adapted for cabinetmaking
b. : done or used by a cabinetmaker