[ 'tɛnjə ]
■ noun
1》 the conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied.
2》 the holding of an office.
↘the period of this.
■ verb give a permanent post to.
↘[as adjective ~d ] having or denoting such a post.
Phrases
security of ~
1》 the right of a tenant of property to occupy it after the lease expires (unless a court should order otherwise).
2》 guaranteed permanent employment after a probationary period.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from tenir 'to hold', from L. tenere .