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.
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, oron the tenter-hooks, to be on the stretch; to be in distress, uneasiness, or suspense. Hudibras.