tantalus

plural tantaluses

1. A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.
2. A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible.

   Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest.

   1904, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of Black Peter, Norton, published 2005, page 984

   2 more examples

   “A small boy, sir. Said I was to be sure and see you got it most particular.” He unlocked a cupboard near the window and produced a tantalus. “Whisky, sir, or cocktail?”

   1920, Herman Cyril McNeile, chapter 1, in Bulldog Drummond

   And stockrooms heavy with the Tantalus on which the family fortune has been made

   1960, John Betjeman, Summoned by Bells, John Murray, page 10

3. Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing.

   Over all, there brooded the shadow of his injuries and the tantalus of their slow healing.

   1953, Ian Fleming, Casino Royale, Penguin Classics, published 2004, page 149

1. Greekhuman sciencesA 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.

   But like still pining Tantalus he sits / And vselesse barnes the haruest of his wits

   1594, William Shakespeare, Lucrece (First Quarto), London: […] Richard Field, for Iohn Harrison, […], →OCLC

   1 more example

   He will not mannage her, although he mount her, / That worse then Tantalus is her annoy

   1593, [William Shakespeare], Venus and Adonis, London: […] Richard Field, […], →OCLC