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