Found 1 items, similar to To be on tenterhooks.
English → English (gcide) Definition: To be on tenterhooks 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]