/tan"tl euhs/ , n. , pl. Tantaluses for 2.
1. Class. Myth. a Phrygian king who was condemned to remain in Tartarus, chin deep in water, with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head: whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit receded out of reach.
2. ( l.c. ) Chiefly Brit. a stand or rack containing visible decanters, esp. of wines or liquors, secured by a lock.