Taut \Taut\, a. [Dan. t[ae]t; akin to E. tight. See Tight.]

1. (Naut.) Tight; stretched; not slack; -- said esp. of a rope that is tightly strained.

2. Snug; close; firm; secure.

Taut hand (Naut.), a sailor's term for an officer who is severe in discipline.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)