tam·bour / ˈtamˌboŏr/ • n. 1. hist. a small drum.2. something resembling a drum in shape or construction, in particular: ∎  a circular frame for holding fabric taut while it is being embroidered. ∎  Archit. a wall of circular plan, such as one supporting a dome or surrounded by a colonnade. ∎  Archit. each of a sequence of cylindrical stones forming the shaft of a column. ∎  a sloping buttress or projection in a court tennis or fives court. ∎  [usu. as adj.] a sliding flexible shutter or door on a piece of furniture, made of strips of wood attached to a backing of canvas: a tambour door.• v. [tr.] [often as adj.] (tamboured) decorate or embroider on a tambour: a tamboured waistcoat.

tambour.
1. Section of column-shaft when the latter is composed of drums.

2. Bell, ground, or vase of a Composite or Corinthian capital.

3. Rotunda, or any circular building, e.g. drum supporting a cupola.

4. Wall of any circular structure.

tambour drum XV (adopted afresh XVIII); circular frame on which material is stretched XVIII; (archit., etc.). — F., var. of tabour TABOR.
So tambourine †(in uncert. sense) XVI; musical instrument made of a hoop with parchment stretched over one side and cymbals at the edge XVIII. — F. tambourin, dim. of tambour.

tambour (Fr.). Drum. Hence, tambour de Basque, tambourine; tambour militaire, side-drum.