Dictionary

tablinum en · NOUN

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin tablīnum.

Meanings

1. (historical) An anteroom in a house of ancient Rome, opening out of the atrium opposite the main entry and often containing the family statues and archives.
   • (b) There was also a Pluteus (which we call Tablinum) a Place or Study, where the Pictures of their Ancestors, and their glorious Atchievements, were drawn or pourtray'd: On the other Side was the Kitchin, from whence they came into a Porch built about the Hall, or Cavedium, which, because `twas four-square, it was therefore surrounded with four Porticos, which may properly be called Walks or Piazzas. 1715, “Section II, Of Private Buildings”, in The history of many memorable things lost, which were in use among the ancients and an account of many excellent things found, now in use among the moderns ... written originally in Latin ... and now done into English ... with several additions (etc.), volume 1, London: John Nicholson, translation of original by Guido Pancirollus, page 72:
   • To my surprise I was shown not into the bedchamber but into the tablinum, where my imperial lover was half hidden by a mountain of paperwork. 2010, Kate Quinn, chapter 17, in Mistress of Rome, London: Headline Review, →ISBN, page 244:

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