[tan-tl-uh
s] 
| 1. | Classical Mythology. 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. | (lowercase) Chiefly British. a stand or rack containing visible decanters, esp. of wines or liquors, secured by a lock. |
| Tan·ta·lus (tān'tə-ləs) n. Greek Mythology A king who for his crimes was condemned in Hades to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink, and with fruit hanging above him that receded when he reached for it. [Latin, from Greek Tantalos; see telə- in Indo-European roots.] |
A king in classical mythology who, as punishment for having offended the gods, was tortured with everlasting thirst and hunger in Hades. He stood up to his chin in water, but each time he bent to quench his thirst, the water receded. There were boughs heavy with fruit over his head, but each time he tried to pluck them, the wind blew them out of reach.
Note: Something is “tantalizing” if it is desirable but unattainable.
