TENTERHOOK


Meaning of TENTERHOOK in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' ten-t ə r- ˌ hu ̇ k

Function: noun

Date: 15th century

: 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 >

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.