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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[See

A punishment like that of Tantalus; a teasing or tormenting by the hope or near approach of good which is not attainable; tantalization.

Addison.

Is not such a provision like

tantalism

to this people?

Josiah Quincy.

Noun.

[See Tantalize.] The punishment of Tantalus, a teasing or tormenting by the hope or near approach of good which is not attainable.

Is not such a provision like tantalism to this people?

tantalism ‎(plural tantalisms)

A punishment like that of the mythological Tantalus; a teasing or tormenting by the hope or near approach of good which is not attainable.

(Can we find and add a quotation of Addison to this entry?)

Is not such a provision like tantalism to this people? — Josiah Quincy.