from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tenon \Ten"on\, n. [F., fr. tenir to hold. See {Tenable}.]
(Carp. & Join.)
A projecting member left by cutting away the wood around it,
and made to insert into a mortise, and in this way secure
together the parts of a frame; especially, such a member when
it passes entirely through the thickness of the piece in
which the mortise is cut, and shows on the other side. Cf.
{Tooth}, {Tusk}.
[1913 Webster]
{Tenon saw}, a saw with a thin blade, usually stiffened by a
brass or steel back, for cutting tenons. [Corruptly
written {tenant saw}.] --Gwilt.
[1913 Webster]