Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tableau \Ta`bleau"\, n.; pl. {Tableaux}. [F., dim. fr. L. tabula
   a painting. See {Table}.]
   1. A striking and vivid representation; a picture.

   2. A representation of some scene by means of persons grouped
      in the proper manner, placed in appropriate postures, and
      remaining silent and motionless.

Source : WordNet®

tableau
     n 1: a group of people attractively arranged (as if in a
          painting) [syn: {tableau vivant}]
     2: any dramatic scene
     [also: {tableaux} (pl)]

tableaux
     See {tableau}