1. A synopsized representation, esp. in columnar form, of the particulars of a subject, usu. to present diverse items in a way that can be more easily understood. • Examples include actuarial tables, genealogical tables (which show the names and relationships of all the persons constituting a family), and interest tables.
2. A formulation of laws inscribed on tablets, such as the Twelve Tables of Roman law. See TWELVE TABLES .
3. Parliamentary law. The secretary’s desk.
table, vb. Parliamentary law. (Of a deliberative assembly) to set aside the pending business until the assembly votes to resume its consideration. • A matter that has been tabled may be brought up again by a vote of the assembly.
— Also termed lay on the table; postpone temporarily.
“The early name of the motion to postpone temporarily was ‘lay on the table.’ (In American usage the phrase has been shortened, and the motion is now generally referred to as the motion ‘to table.’) The term grew out of the legislative custom of literally laying a bill awaiting further consideration on the clerk’s table.
“The reference to ‘laying the motion on the table’ or ‘tabling’ is still widely used, but the more precise term, ‘postpone temporarily,’ is preferred when that is its purpose, because the term is self-explanatory.
“Sometimes, however, the purpose of the motion is not merely to postpone temporarily, but to set the motion aside indefinitely — in effect, to ‘kill’ it ….” Alice Sturgis, The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure 70 (4th ed. 2001).
