tenter,
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.