People who say innocently things which shock you, who put the listeners at a dinner-table upon tenter-hooks, are either wanting in taste or their minds are confused with shyness.
"Manners and Social Usages"
Mrs. John M. E. W. Sherwood
And I'm not going to be caught up on the tenter-hooks of conscience as to all my meanings, Miss Cotton.
"April Hopes"
William Dean Howells Last Updated: February 27, 2009
That's not for you to know yet; but first, young gentleman, you who are hanging on tenter-hooks, you must hang there a little longer.
"Tales & Novels, Vol. IX [Contents: Harrington; Thoughts on Bores; Ormond]"
Maria Edgeworth