Definition: a mirrored Japanese dressing stand or miniature table with multiple drawers; traditional models, dating from the Edo period (1603-1867), had a hand mirror resting on a slanted stand on the top, placed perpendicular to the drawers (so that they would open to the side of the user, not in front); later models from the Meiji period (1868-1912) had surmounted mirrors, similar to European dressing stands, but often remained tall by Western standards - as much as 30 inches high - because they were placed not on tables but on the floor, and the user would kneel before them
Alternate spelling: kyoudai
Pronunciation: ki-oh-die
Example: The lacquered kyodai not only had five tiny drawers, but a secret compartment in back of one of them.