† ˈtableman Obs.
Pl. -men.
1. One of the ‘men’ or pieces used in any game played on a board, esp. backgammon.
| 1483 Cath. Angl. 376/1 A Tabylle man, scaccus.., calculus. 1534 Camden Misc. (1855) 39 One paire of tables of peerle,..withoute table men. 1626 Bacon Sylva §158 A Soft Body dampeth the Sound... And therefore..in Colleges they use to line the Tablemen. 1641 Hinde J. Bruen xl. 123 He saw everywhere Cards and Dise, Tables and Table⁓men. 1725 Sloane Jamaica II. 136 The wood [Guaiacum] is..good for bowls, tables, table-men, and cabinets. 1905 Fiske Chess in Iceld. 89 The list of chess boards and chess⁓men, table-boards and table-men in the king's possession. |
2. Applied in contempt to a gamester.
| 1608 Dekker Lanthorne & Candlel. D j b, Knowing that your most selected Gallants are the only Table-men that are plaid withal at Ordinaries. 1609 ― Gvlls Horne-bk. Introd. 2 All the painted table-men about you, take you to be heires apparant to rich Midasse. |