GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 4 definitions
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Tenter (?), n.
1. One who takes care of, or tends, machines in a factory; a kind of assistant foreman.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mach.) A kind of governor.
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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.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
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Tenter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tentered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tentering.] To admit extension.
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Woolen cloth will tenter, linen scarcely. Bacon.
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Tenter, v. t. To hang or stretch on, or as on, tenters.
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