tantalus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (Greek mythology) a wicked king and son of Zeus; condemned in Hades to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink and beneath fruit that receded when he reached for it

WordNet

Tan"ta*lus noun
Etymology
L., from Gr. Ta`ntalos.
Definitions
(Gr. Myth.)
  1. A Phrygian king who was punished in the lower world by being placed in the midst of a lake whose waters reached to his chin but receded whenever he attempted to allay his thirst, while over his head hung branches laden with choice fruit which likewise receded whenever he stretched out his hand to grasp them.
  2. (Zoöl.) A genus of wading birds comprising the wood ibises.

Webster 1913