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.

tenter, v. i.

To admit extension. [1913 Webster]

"Woolen cloth will tenter, linen scarcely." [1913 Webster]

tenter, v. t.

To hang or stretch on, or as on, tenters. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

tenter, n.
1 a machine for stretching cloth to dry in shape.
2 = TENTERHOOK.

tenter, n. Brit.
1 a person in charge of something, esp. of machinery in a factory.
2 a workman's unskilled assistant.

Etymology

tent (now Sc.) pay attention, perh. f. tent attention f. INTENT or obs. attent (as ATTEND)

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