a. Also -ian. [f. L. tantale-us (f. TANTALUS) + -AN.] Of or pertaining to Tantalus; like that of Tantalus; tantalizing.

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a. 1618.  Davies, Wittes Pilgr., Wks. (Grosart), II. 24. Men ouertoild in Common-Wealth affaires Gett much Tantalian wealth by wealthie paines.

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1677.  H. M., trans. Erasm. Colloq., 540. The Lord will take away the Tantalean stone [orig. Dominus tollet saxum Tantaleum, i.e., the rock that threatened to fall on Tantalus; hence, the impending punishment for sin].

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1839.  J. E. Reade, Deluge, 150.

        This, the Tantalean thirst, that, all unslaked,
Doth, scorching, live beyond the grave!

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1866.  J. B. Rose, trans. Ovid’s Met., 157. Niobe With tongue Tantalian reprobate and free.

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1908.  A. G. Shiell, Agapë, 7.

        With viands I must sate me to the fill
More hideous and more unnatural than ere
Thyestes, of the doomed Tantalian line,
Did banquet on, when, through fraternal guile,
The flesh of his own offspring he devoured.

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