tenter

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

tenter
    n 1: a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tenter \Ten"ter\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tentered}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Tentering}.]
   To admit extension.
   [1913 Webster]

         Woolen cloth will tenter, linen scarcely. --Bacon.
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from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tenter \Ten"ter\, v. t.
   To hang or stretch on, or as on, tenters.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tenter \Ten"ter\, n.
   1. One who takes care of, or tends, machines in a factory; a
      kind of assistant foreman.
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   2. (Mach.) A kind of governor.
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from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tenter \Ten"ter\, 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.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]