'To be on the tenters' definitions:
Definition of 'To be on the tenters'
From: GCIDE
- Tenter \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. [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]