1 [with modifier] a vehicle used by a fire service for carrying specified supplies or equipment or fulfilling a specified role:three fire engines, including an emergency tender, attended the scene
a vehicle used in mobile operations by a public service or the armed forces:he was struck several blows on the head and shoved into the police tender
2a dinghy or other boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from a ship.
3a trailing vehicle closely coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water.
4 [usually in combination or with modifier] a person who looks after someone else or a machine or place:Alexei signalled to one of the engine tenders
Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense 'attendant, nurse'): from tend2 or shortening of attender(see attend)
