GUERIDON, a small table to hold a lamp or vase, supported by a tall column or a human or mythological figure. This piece of furniture, often very graceful and elegant, originated in France towards the middle of the 17th century. In the beginning the table was supported by a negro or some exotic figure, and there is some reason to believe that it took its name from the generic appellation of the young African groom or "tiger," who was gen erally called "Gueridon," or as we should say in English "Sambo."