n. Machine for stretching cloth to dry in shape. [medieval latin tentorium: related to *tend1]

n. - condition, or form of right or title, under which (esp. Real) property is held.

- (often foll. By of) a holding or possession of an office or property. B period of this.

- guaranteed permanent employment, esp. As a teacher or lecturer. tenured adj. [latin teneo]

n. (also tiercel) male hawk, esp. A peregrine or goshawk. [latin tertius third]

n. (pl. -s) bivalve mollusc that bores into submerged timbers of ships etc. [latin from greek]

n. - extreme fear.

- a terrifying person or thing. B colloq. Formidable or troublesome person or thing, esp. A child.

- organized intimidation; terrorism. [latin terreo frighten]

n. - person or thing that tests.

- bottle etc. Containing a cosmetic for trial in a shop.

pl. Of *testis.

n. (pl. Testes) anat. & zool. Testicle. [latin, = witness (cf. *testicle)]

adj. (-ier, -iest) peevish, irritable. tetchily adv. Tetchiness n. [teche blemish, fault]

—n. Rope etc. Confining a grazing animal. —v. Tie with a tether. at the end of one's tether at the limit of one's patience, resources, etc. [old norse]