from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tantrum \Tan"trum\, n.
1. A whim; an affected air. [Colloq. and archaic]
--Thackeray.
[1913 Webster]
2. A display of ill-humor, especially a demonstration of rage
or frustration by shouting or violent physical movements,
such as the stamping of feet; called also {temper
tantrum}. It is usually associated with children, but is
sometimes seen in adults.
[PJC]
3. [fig.] A display of anger expressed by irrationally
striking out at innocent targets or inanimate objects; as,
the governor was so insulted by the article, he threw a
temper tantrum and cancelled the ceremony.
[PJC]