tenterhook Definition
one of the hooks or bent nails that hold cloth stretched on a tenter.
Using tenterhook: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tenterhook" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The fabric was held in place on the tenterhooks while it dried.
Example
She was on tenterhooks waiting for the results of her exam.
Example
The suspenseful movie had me on tenterhooks until the very end.
tenterhook Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tenterhook
on tenterhooks
in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense
Example
I'm on tenterhooks waiting to hear back from the job interview.
Origins of tenterhook
from Middle English 'tenture', meaning 'to stretch' + 'hook'
Summary: tenterhook in Brief
'Tenterhook' [ten-ter-hoo k] refers to one of the hooks or bent nails that hold cloth stretched on a tenter. It is also used in the phrase 'on tenterhooks,' which means in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense.
