"On tenterhooks"a Tenter--"A machine or frame for stretching cloth by tenterhooks, so that it may dry even and square."
a Tenterhook--"A sharp hooked nail used for fastening cloth on a tenter."
"On Tenterhooks"--"Undergoing strain as if by stretching; hence, in uneasiness, or suspense, or under a distressing strain."
{:- )