TABLE

table,n.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).
[Blacks Law 8th]