tent

Definition

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.

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”).

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "A splendid tent was erected on the brae north of the town, and round that the countless congregation assembled."