Look up table in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
In parliamentary procedure, the verb to table has the opposite meaning in the United States from that of the rest of the world:
- In the United States, to "table" usually means to postpone or suspend consideration of a pending motion. Generally, to avoid spending time on debate and consideration.
- In the rest of the English-speaking world, to "table" means to begin consideration (or reconsideration) of a proposal.
Motions which use the word "table" have specific meanings and functions, depending on the parliamentary authority used. The meaning of "table" also depends on the context in which it is used.