tenterhook

ten·ter·hook

 (tĕn′tər-ho͝ok′)

n.

A hooked nail for securing cloth on a tenter.

Idiom:

on tenterhooks

In a state of uneasiness, suspense, or anxiety.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

tenterhook

(ˈtɛntəˌhʊk)

n

1. (Textiles) one of a series of hooks or bent nails used to hold cloth stretched on a tenter

2. on tenterhooks in a state of tension or suspense

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

ten•ter•hook

(ˈtɛn tərˌhʊk)

n.

one of the hooks or bent nails that hold cloth stretched on a tenter.

Idioms:

on tenterhooks, in a state of uneasy suspense or painful anxiety.

[1470–80]

Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

tenterhook - one of a series of hooks used to hold cloth on a tenter claw, hook - a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something tenter - a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.