rare–0. [cf. Gr. τυμπανισμός a beating of drums, ἀποτυμπανισμός a cudgelling: see TYMPANIZE and -ISM. So F. tympanisme, in sense 2.]
† 1. (See quot., and cf. TYMPANIZE v. 3.) Obs.
1661. Blount, Glossogr. (ed. 2), Tympanism … a kind of torturing, used by the Jews, by beating one to death with Cudgels or Drum-sticks, Heb. 11. 35. 2 Mac. 6. 19.
2. Path. (See quot., and cf. TYPANITES.)
1890. Billings, Med. Dict., Tympanism, state of being distended with gas.
