Etymology From Middle English tente, borrowed from Old French tente, from Vulgar Latin *tenta (“tent”), from the feminine of Latin tentus, ptp. of tendere (“to stretch, extend”), or contracted from *tendita as an alternate past participle. Displaced native Middle English tild, tilt (“tent, tilt”), from Old English teld (“tent”). Compare Spanish tienda (“store, shop; tent”).
1
A pavilion or portable lodge consisting of skins, canvas, or some strong cloth, stretched and sustained by poles, used for sheltering people from the weather.
We were camping in a three-man tent.
We bought a new tent that can be put up in five seconds, but it took about twenty minutes to take it down and pack it away.
2
Archaic The representation of a tent used as a bearing.
3
Scotland A portable pulpit set up outside to accommodate worshippers who cannot fit into a church.
A splendid tent was erected on the brae north of the town, and round that the countless congregation assembled.1824, James Hogg, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner:
4
A trouser tent; a piece of fabric, etc. protruding outward like a tent.
[…] feeling his erection making a tent in his pants.2013, Nathan Lapointe, A Strange New World:
Etymology From Middle English tente, borrowed from Old French tente, from Vulgar Latin *tenta (“tent”), from the feminine of Latin tentus, ptp. of tendere (“to stretch, extend”), or contracted from *tendita as an alternate past participle. Displaced native Middle English tild, tilt (“tent, tilt”), from Old English teld (“tent”). Compare Spanish tienda (“store, shop; tent”).
1
To go camping.
We’ll be tenting at the campground this weekend.
2
Cooking, Food, Lifestyle To prop up aluminum foil in an inverted "V" (reminiscent of a pop-up tent) over food to reduce splatter, before putting it in the oven.
Etymology From Middle English tent (“attention”), aphetic variation of attent (“attention”), from Old French atente (“attention, intention”), from Latin attenta, feminine of attentus, past participle of attendere (“to attend”). Compare tend, from an aphetic variation of attend
The poor lass was sitting bemoaning herself - "Were it nae for thy girning face, I would knock the big, winnow the corn, and grun the meal," - "Lowse the cradle-band," said the child, "and tent the neighbours, and I'll work yere work."1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume II, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 167:
tent
noun
Etymology From Middle English tent (“attention”), aphetic variation of attent (“attention”), from Old French atente (“attention, intention”), from Latin attenta, feminine of attentus, past participle of attendere (“to attend”). Compare tend, from an aphetic variation of attend
Lo ! lo ! my frend , take tent to this wommana. 1451, John Lydgate, The Prohemy of a Marriage betwixt and Olde Man and a Yonge Wife, and the Counsail &c.:
A-pon þe feild his fader went And soght abel wit al his tenta. 1300, anonymous author, Cursor Mundi:
tent
noun
Etymology From Middle English tente (“a probe”), from Middle French tente, deverbal of tenter, from Latin tentāre (“to probe, test”), alteration of temptāre (“to test, probe, tempt”).
1
Medicine, Sciences A roll of lint or linen, or a conical or cylindrical piece of sponge or other absorbent, used chiefly to dilate a natural canal, to keep open the orifice of a wound, or to absorb discharges.
Etymology From Middle English tente (“a probe”), from Middle French tente, deverbal of tenter, from Latin tentāre (“to probe, test”), alteration of temptāre (“to test, probe, tempt”).
1
Medicine, SciencesFiguratively, Sometimes To probe or to search with a tent; to keep open with a tent.
to tent a wound
I'll tent him to the quick.c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
tent
noun
Etymology From Spanish tinto (“deep-colored”), from Latin tīnctus, past participle of tingo (“to dye”). More at tinge. Doublet of tint and tinto. Compare claret (“French red wine”), also from color.
1
Archaic A kind of red wine of a deep red color, chiefly from Galicia or Malaga in Spain.