Ten"on (?), n. [F., fr. tenir to hold. See Tenable.] Carp. & Join.
A projecting member left by cutting away the wood around it, and made to insert into a mortise, and in this way secure together the parts of a frame; especially, such a member when it passes entirely through the thickness of the piece in which the mortise is cut, and shows on the other side. Cf. Tooth, Tusk.
Tenon saw, a saw with a thin blade, usually stiffened by a brass or steel back, for cutting tenons. [Corruptly written tenant saw.] Gwilt.
© Webster 1913.
Ten"on, v. t.
To cut or fit for insertion into a mortise, as the end of a piece of timber.
© Webster 1913.