| Tenter | n. [ OE. tenture, tentoure, OF. tenture a stretching, spreading, F. tenture hangings, tapestry, from L. tendere, tentum, to stretch. See Tend to move. ] A machine or frame for stretching cloth by means of hooks, called tenter-hooks, so that it may dry even and square. [ 1913 Webster ]
Tenter ground, a place where tenters are erected. --
Tenter-hook, a sharp, hooked nail used for fastening cloth on a tenter. --
To be on the tenters,
To be on the tenter-hooks or
To be on tenterhooks, to be on the stretch; to be in distress, uneasiness, or suspense. Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
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