/
ˈtambʊə,
-bɔː/
n.
- historical a small drum.
- a circular frame for holding fabric taut while it is being embroidered.
- Architecture a wall of circular plan, such as one supporting a dome.
▸each of the cylindrical stones forming the shaft of a column.
- a lobby enclosed by a ceiling and folding doors to prevent draughts.
▸a sliding flexible shutter or door.
- a sloping buttress or projection in a real tennis or fives court.
v.
[
often as adj. tamboured]
decorate or embroider on a tambour.
Etymology
C15: from Fr. tambour ‘drum’; perh. rel. to Pers. tabīra ‘drum’; cf. tabor.