I. ˈte-nən noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from tenir to hold — more at tenable
Date: 14th century
: a projecting member in a piece of wood or other material for insertion into a mortise to make a joint — see dovetail illustration
II. transitive verb
Date: 1596
1. : to unite by a tenon
2. : to cut or fit for insertion in a mortise