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]