ˈstrechə(r) noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English strecher, from strechen to stretch + -er — more at stretch
1. : one that stretches: as
a. : a workman who stretches textiles or metal : a tender of a stretching machine
b. : a device or machine for stretching or expanding something (as a boot, carpet, fence, glove, saw, trousers, or wire) by applied force — often used in combination; see curtain stretcher
c. : a stick or one of several sticks used to keep a fishnet expanded
d. : one of the rods pivoted at the ends to the ribs and to the tube that slides upon the handle in opening or closing an umbrella
e. : the frame upon which an artist's canvas is stretched for painting
f. : a piece of wood or metal used to spread the clews of a hammock
g. : one whose work is to straighten something specified
iron stretcher
silk stretcher
spindle stretcher
yarn stretcher
h. : a jointed rod or bar that when straightened raises a collapsible top or hood (as of a vehicle)
i. : a textile worker who operates a tenter
j. : an operator of a machine for shaping finger rings
k. : a machine operator who softens skins for hatter's fur
2.
a. : a narrow crosspiece in a boat for a rower to brace his feet against — called also boat stretcher
b. : a temporary crosspiece to keep the sides of a boat from being crushed together
3. : an overstretching of the truth : an exaggerated story or yarn : a tall tale
a true book with some stretchers — Mark Twain
4. : a brick or stone laid with its length parallel to the face of the wall — compare bond 6, header
5.
a. : a timber or rod used especially when horizontal as a tie in framed work
b. : stretcher bar
6.
a. : tail fly
b. : leader 1i(2)
7. : the usually horizontal bracing member or set of members reaching between and steadying the legs of a piece of furniture (as a chair or table) : a part of the underframing serving as a stay or brace between the legs
8.
a. : a litter usually made of canvas stretched on a frame for carrying disabled or dead persons
b. chiefly Australia & New Zealand : a folding canvas cot
9. : a display folder simulating a book cover or series of covers (as for explanatory or advertising purposes)