Definition: A mythical king who was punished to stand in water and under fruit, unable to reach either; also refers to a stand for drink decanters that keeps them visible but locked away.

Example: The tantalizing fruit hung just above Tantalus, forever out of reach.

Definition: A statue or figure of a man that is used as a support in architecture, often serving as a column or pillar.

Example: The ancient temple featured several telamons that added both strength and beauty to the structure.

Definition: A member of a religious military order that was formed in the 12th century to protect pilgrims and the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Example: The templar bravely defended the castle during the siege.

Definition: A religious service held during the last days of Holy Week that remembers the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

Example: The church held a special tenebrae service to honor the events of Holy Week.

Definition: A type of ancient temple found in Mexico, often constructed on a pyramid-shaped mound.

Example: The archaeologists discovered a teocalli that had been buried for centuries.

Definition: Relating to a period of 300 years or the celebration of a 300th anniversary.

Example: The city held a tercentenary celebration to mark its 300 years of history.

Definition: A celebration or event marking the 300th anniversary of something.

Example: The town held a grand festival for its tercentenary, celebrating 300 years of history.

Definition: Relating to a period of three hundred years or a celebration of such an anniversary.

Example: The city held a tercentennial celebration to mark its 300th anniversary.

Definition: A celebration or event marking the 300th anniversary of something.

Example: The town held a tercentennial celebration to honor its founding in 1723.

Definition: Describing someone who is overly aggressive, quarrelsome, or scolding, often in a loud or harsh manner.

Example: Her termagant behavior made it difficult for anyone to have a calm conversation with her.

Definition: A woman who is often angry, quarrelsome, or scolding, and is seen as overbearing or nagging.

Example: The termagant was known for her loud arguments and constant complaints.

Definition: A small square piece of stone, glass, or other material used to create patterns in mosaics, or a small tablet used in ancient times for identification or as a ticket.

Example: The artist carefully placed each tessera to form a beautiful mosaic.

Definition: A leader or governor who rules over one of four parts of a region, especially in ancient times.

Example: The tetrarch was responsible for maintaining order in his territory during the Roman Empire.