Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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