Obs. rare. [f. TANTAL-US + -ISM.] Punishment or torment like that of Tantalus; tantalization.

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c. 1614.  Fletcher, etc., Wit sev. Weapons, II. ii. Think on my vengeance, choak up his desires, Then let his banquetings be tantalisme.

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1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 90, ¶ 6. A Person lying under the Torments of such a kind of Tantalism, or Platonick Hell.

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1811.  Jos. Quincy, Sp. on Place & Patronage, in Speeches (1874), 232. Is not such a provision, considered as a security against corruption from the distribution of offices, like tantalism to this people?

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1859[?].  Morgan le Faye, I. i. 10.

                        Riches and power
Without a name and place to crown and grace them,
Are weight and tantalism.

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1900.  G. D. Herron, Plea for the Unity of American Socialists, 8. Democracy in the state is but a tantalism and a fiction, unless it be realized through democracy in production and distribution.

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