TENTER

tenter

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

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

tenter (plural tenters)

A framework upon which cloth is stretched and dried.

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

(engineering) A kind of governor, or regulating device.

Verb

tenter (third-person singular simple present tenters, present participle tentering, simple past and past participle tentered)

(transitive) To stretch cloth on such a framework.

(intransitive) To admit extension; to be stretchable.

Anagrams

• Netter, netter, retent

Source: Wiktionary


Ten"ter, n.

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

2. (Mach.)

Definition: A kind of governor.

Ten"ter, n. Etym: [OE. tenture, tentoure, OF. tenture a stretching, spreading, F. tenture hangings, tapestry, from L. tendere, tentum, to stretch. See Tend to move.]

Definition: A machine or frame for stretching cloth by means of hooks, called tenter-hooks, so that it may dry even and square. 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, or on the tenter-hooks, to be on the stretch; to be in distress, uneasiness, or suspense. Hudibras.

Ten"ter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tentered; p. pr. & vb. n. Tentering.]

Definition: To admit extension. Woolen cloth will tenter, linen scarcely. Bacon.

Ten"ter, v. t.

Definition: To hang or stretch on, or as on, tenters.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

28 May 2025

AIR

(noun) a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing; “an air of mystery”; “the house had a neglected air”; “an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate’s headquarters”; “the place had an aura of romance”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

coffee icon