tent fly

noun

1. fly ²( def 22 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of tent fly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

I consumed one of my stints on the beach by rigging a shade awning with a tent fly and some driftwood, a contraption that whipped about our heads like a ripped mainsail in a hurricane.

From Washington Post

The MPs in the 240th protected the nation’s commander in chief while he was visiting his upstate home during World War II. The re-enactment group will set up at their headquarters detachment and message center under a tent fly in front of the FDR Presidential Library.

From Washington Times

I zipped the tent fly back and looked out.

From Time

Before she could get out of the car and go into the bar, she saw the tent fly into the air.

From Seattle Times

Ten′ter, one who lives in a tent; Tent′-fly, an external piece of canvas stretched above the ridge-pole of a tent, shading from sun or shielding from rain; Tent′ful, as many as a tent will hold; Tent′-guy, an additional rope for securing a tent against a storm.—adjs.

From Project Gutenberg