The Collaborative International Dictionary
To be on tenterhooks
Tenter \Ten"ter\, n. [OE. tenture, tentoure, OF. tenture a stretching, spreading, F. tenture hangings, tapestry, from L. tendere, tentum, to stretch. See Tend to move.] A machine or frame for stretching cloth by means of hooks, called tenter-hooks, so that it may dry even and square.
Tenter ground, a place where tenters are erected.
Tenter-hook, a sharp, hooked nail used for fastening cloth on a tenter.
To be on the tenters, To be on the tenter-hooks or To be
on tenterhooks, to be on the stretch; to be in distress,
uneasiness, or suspense.
--Hudibras.
Usage examples of "to be on tenterhooks".
She said it sounded uncomfortable to be on tenterhooks, and I said that it probably would be, so hurry home, girl.