dial. [f. TENT v.1 + -ER1.]
1. One who minds, or has charge of, anything requiring attention, as a machine, a flock, etc.
1828. Craven Gloss., Tenters, watchers, moor-tenters.
1863. Mrs. Toogood, Yorks. Dial., I will hire that boy as a tenter for my sheep.
1870. Inquiry Yorks. Deaf & Dumb, 59. Simeon Smith, cropping-machine tenter.
1885. Manch. Exam., 20 Feb., 5/3. The engine tenter … found the doors of the mill unlocked.
b. Applied to a watch-dog.
1844. S. Bamford, Walks S. Lancs., 47 (E.D.D.). Will he do for a tenter? will he bark at night?
2. An attendant on a skilled workman, who gives him unskilled help, supplies materials, etc.
1894. Labour Commission Gloss., Tenters, assistants to the weaver, generally children, who have gone through a short process of probation.
