To stretch or extend something tightly, particularly in Southeast Asian contexts where it means to spread fabric or material.
From Malay 'teng', meaning to stretch or extend. The word comes from proto-Austronesian roots related to tension and extension, evolving in maritime trading communities.
This word is a perfect example of how regional verbs stay alive in specific communities—it's essential in batik-making and traditional textile work across Malaysia and Indonesia, yet almost invisible to English speakers.
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