tenter

[ ten-ter ]

noun

1. a framework on which cloth in the process of manufacture is stretched so it may set or dry evenly.
2. Obsolete. a tenterhook.

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch (cloth) on a tenter or tenters.

verb (used without object)

1. to be capable of being tentered.

tenter

/ ˈtɛntə /

noun

1. a frame on which cloth is stretched during the manufacturing process in order that it may retain its shape while drying
2. a person who stretches cloth on a tenter

verb

1. tr to stretch (cloth) on a tenter

Other Words From

• un·tentered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenter¹

1300–50; Middle English tente to stretch (< Latin tentus, variant of tēnsus tense ¹ ) + -er ¹; replacing Middle English teyntur, of unclear derivation

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenter¹

C14: from Medieval Latin tentōrium, from Latin tentus stretched, from tendere to stretch

Example Sentences

“But you never know what someone has in their bank account,” says tenter Lois McCormick.

From Wall Street Journal

I threw in my lot with the tenters.

From New York Times

But his chief fear was, and it kept him on tenter hooks throughout the day, that his grand exploit would be nipped in the bud, altogether frustrated, by his being prematurely fetched home.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the higher-ups are dead sure you are Mr. Shei, and the whole town is on tenter hooks on account of the notices posted last night.

From Project Gutenberg

I know he is on tenter hooks all the time, too.

From Project Gutenberg