Dictionary

tenterhook

noun ten·ter·hook \ˈten-tər-ˌhk\

Definition of TENTERHOOK

:  a sharp hooked nail used especially for fastening cloth on a tenter
on tenterhooks
:  in a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense <the waiting kept us on tenterhooks>
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First Known Use of TENTERHOOK

15th century

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