[f. TIGHTEN v. + -ER1.] One who or that which tightens.
1829. Nat. Philos., Prelim. Treat., 32 (U.K.S.). [In lizards] the two toes or tightners, by which the skin of the foot is pinned down.
1851. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, I. 66. What is elegantly termed a tightner, that is to say, a most plentiful repast.
1890. Illustr. Lond. News, 6 Sept., 298/3. A minstrel … a tightener of the strong sinews of warlike hearts!
1891. Wheeling, 25 Feb., 402. Wrenches, spoke tighteners, and padlocks and chain; bearings, hubs, and pedals.
1895. Standard, 21 Nov., 5/2. There is no such tightener of the purse strings as want of confidence.
