arch. [app. f. TENT sb.3; but cf. F. tenter in obs. sense (= sonder) to try the depth of, to sound; = med.L. tentāre to try.]
† a. trans. To probe (obs.). b. To treat by means of a tent; to apply a tent to a wound, etc., also to a person); to distend or plug with a tent. Also fig. Hence Tenting vbl. sb.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 51/2. Ether in tenting of the wounde, by inscisione, by cauterisation.
1612. Webster, White Devil, V. ii. Search my wound deeper; tent it with the steel That made it.
1639. Shirley, Maid’s Rev., III. vi. I have a sword dares tent a wound as far As any.
1685. Crowne, Sir C. Nice, IV. Dram. Wks. 1874, III. 328. Yes, if you ’noint it presently with a good dish o’ jelly, broth, and tent it with a bone o’ roast beef.
1695. trans. Colbatch’s New Lt. Chirurg. Put out, 32. Stitched them up … for fear they should have been kept open by tenting.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, vii. Methinks I can tent this wound, and treat it with emollients.
