Tenter

[tentә]

Definition

(noun.) a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth.

Editor: Sweeney--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) One who takes care of, or tends, machines in a factory; a kind of assistant foreman.

(n.) A kind of governor.

(n.) A machine or frame for stretching cloth by means of hooks, called tenter-hooks, so that it may dry even and square.

(v. i.) To admit extension.

(v. t.) To hang or stretch on, or as on, tenters.

Checked by Gardner

Definition

n. a machine for extending or stretching cloth on by hooks.—v.t. to stretch on hooks.—n. Ten′ter-hook a sharp hooked nail anything that gives torture.—Be on tenter-hooks to be on the stretch: to be in suspense or anxiety.

n. one who has charge of something.—adj. Ten′ty attentive.

Editor: Moll