tympanism rare—0.
(ˈtɪmpənɪz(ə)m)
[cf. Gr. τυµπανισµός a beating of drums, ἀποτυµπανισµός a cudgelling: see tympanize and -ism. So F. tympanisme, in sense 2.]
† 1. (See quot., and cf. tympanize v. 3.) Obs.
| 1661 Blount Glossogr. (ed. 2), Tympanism..a kind of torturing, used by the Jews, by beating one to death with Cudgels or Drum-sticks, Heb. 11. 35. 2 Mac. 6. 19. |
2. Path. (See quot., and cf. tympanites.)
| 1890 Billings Med. Dict., Tympanism, state of being distended with gas. |