[a. F. temple fem. (also templet, temploir, templu), Littré: perh. orig. the same word as temple, tempe, TEMPLE sb.2]
1. A contrivance for keeping cloth stretched to its proper width in the loom during the process of weaving. Usually pl.
In the hand-loom, a pair of flat rods, having toothed ends which caught the selvedge on each side; in the power-loom, various rotary devices are used.
1483. Cath. Angl., 379/2. A Tempylle of a wefere, virgula.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. viii. 348/1. Temples,… two Staves with broad ends set with sharp Pins,… by the pins putting into the selvage of the Cloth it is kept open while it is in Weaving.
1733. P. Lindsay, Interest Scotl., 169. The Sum that is now given for the Encouragement of that Branch [Weaving], exclusive of the Reeds, Harness, Shuttles, and Temples.
1863. J. Watson, Art Weaving, 150. The Breast Beam is the rail in front of the loom…. It is on this rail that the self acting temples are fixed.
1888. Elworthy, West Somerset Word-bk., Temples, a wooden stretcher of adjustable length, having points at either end, used by weavers to keep the cloth as woven of the proper width in the loom…. Often called a ‘pair o’ temples.’
1898. Leeds Mercury Suppl., 10 Dec. (E.D.D.). The temples on looms to-day … consist of wheels on either side of the woven piece, having projecting pins all round their circumferences.
2. = TEMPLET1 2. Also attrib.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. ix. 394/2. Temple Moulds … are Boards cut in that for[m] as the Stone is to be cut.
1847–78. Halliwell, Temple-mold, a pattern, or mould used by masons in fashioning their work.
