in architecture, a term applied to the Corinthian and Composite capitals, as bearing some resemblance to a drum which the French call tambour. Some choose to call it the vase, and others campana or the bell.

Tambour is also used for a little box of timber work, covered with a ceiling, within the porch of certain churches; both to prevent the view of persons passing by, and to keep off the wind, &c. by means of folding-doors, &c.

Tambour also denotes a round course of stone, several whereof form the shaft of a column, not so high as a diameter.

the arts, is a species of embroidery. The tambour is an instrument of a spherical form, upon which is stretched, by means of a string and buckle, or other suitable appendage, a piece of linen or thin filken fluff; which is wrought with a needle of a particular form, and by means of filken or gold and silver threads, into leaves, flowers, or other figures.