1 tenter | Definition of tenter
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tenter

noun (1)
ten·​ter | \ ˈten-tər How to pronounce tenter (audio) \

Definition of tenter

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a frame or endless track with hooks or clips along two sides that is used for drying and stretching cloth
2 archaic : tenterhook

tenter

noun (2)

Definition of tenter (Entry 2 of 2)

: one who lives in or occupies a tent

First Known Use of tenter

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1846, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tenter

Noun (1)

Middle English teyntour, tentour, tenture, probably borrowed from Medieval Latin tentōrium "tent, tabernacle, canopy, frame for stretching skins or cloth," going back to Latin, "shelter made of skins or cloth, tent," from ten-, stem in nominal derivation of tendere "to extend outward, stretch" + -tōrium, suffix of places, from neuter of -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix — more at tender entry 3

Noun (2)

tent entry 1 or tent entry 2 + -er entry 2

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