Sc. Obs. rare. [a. Picard tenche, OF. tence dispute (12th c. in Godef.), f. tencier, tencer to contend:—pop. L. type *tentiāre, f. tentus, pa. pple. of tendĕre to stretch, strive, etc.] (?) A taunt, reproach.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, IX. Prol. 23. The ryall style, clepyt heroycall,… Suld be compilit but tenchis or voyd word.
