| n. | 1. | A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc. |
| 2. | A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. It is still employed in China. |
| 3. | (Arch.) The uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. See Column. |
| 4. | A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard. |
abacus - a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave