Definition of tableaus:
(n) :
A striking and vivid representation or scene; a picture.
(n) :
A vivid graphic scene of a group of people or objects arranged as in a painting or bas relief sculpture.
(n) :
(theater) A unit of a play, an opera, or a ballet with change of stage setting.
(n) :
(UK, dated, by extension) An arrangement of actors in static positions on stage, having the effect of pointing up a particular moment in the drama, conventionally revealed by opening tableau curtains (known as "tabs").
(n) :
(card games) Mostly in solitaire card games, but also in other card and board games, the main area, where random cards can be arranged.
(n) :
(mathematics) A two-dimensional array or table of data, usually numbers, of various specific kinds.