Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TYM'PAN, n. [L. tympanum. See Tympeal.]

1. A drum; hence, the barrel or hollow part of the ear behind the membrane of the tympanum. Hooper.
2. The area of a pediment; also, the part of a pedestal called the trunk or dye. Cyc.
3. The panel of a door.
4. A triangular space or table in the corners or sides of an arch, usually enriched with figures. Cyc.
5. Among printers, a frame covered with parchment or cloth, on which the blank sheets are put, in order to be laid on the form to be impressed.