Here's what we know:
* Old English roots: The word "stretch" comes from the Old English word "streccan," which meant "to extend, to draw out, to pull."
* Long history: The word has been used in various forms for centuries, appearing in writing as far back as the 12th century.
Therefore, it's safe to say that the word "stretch" didn't have a single inventor but evolved organically over time from its Old English origins.