It comes from the Latin word tentus, which means “to stretch.” The word 'tenterhooks' comes from the metal hooks that manufacturers used to stretch wool on a tenter while it dried. ... So a tenterhook is a metal hook that holds the cloth in place on the tenter, and the frames were set out in fields so the wool could dry.

Why do we say tenterhooks?

Tenterhooks were used in the process of making woollen cloth. ... The saying 'to be on tenterhooks' originated from this method of controlled drying, used to mean being in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense.

What is the term tenterhooks mean?

The phrase "on tenterhooks" means "waiting nervously for something to happen." A tenterhook is literally a sharp hook that fastens cloth to a tenter, a frame on which cloth is stretched, like a tent, for even drying to prevent shrinkage.