teth·er (tĕTH'ər)
n.

1. 1. A rope, chain, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a short radius in which it can move about.
   2. A similar ropelike restraint used as a safety measure, especially for young children and astronauts.
2. A rope, chain, or similar restraint for holding one, especially an animal, in place, allowing a short radius in which one can move about.
3. The extent or limit of one's resources, abilities, or endurance: drought-stricken farmers at the end of their tether.

tr.v., -ered, -er·ing, -ers.
To fasten or restrict with or as if with a tether.

[Middle English tedir, tethir, from Old Norse tjōdhr.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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