Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Strict

Strict , adjective

[Latin strictus, past participle of stringere to draw or bind tight, to strain. See Strain, and compare Strait, a.]

1.
Strained; drawn close; tight; as, a strict embrace; a strict ligature. — Dryden
2.
Tense; not relaxed; as, a strict fiber.
3.
Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously nice; as, to keep strict watch; to pay strict attention. — Shakespeare
It shall be still in strictest measure. — Milton
4.
Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous; as, very strict in observing the Sabbath.
Through the strict senteries. — Milton
5.
Rigidly; interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted; as, to understand words in a strict sense.
6.
(Botany) Upright, or straight and narrow; -- said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.
And rules as strict his labored work confine, As if the Stagirite o'erlooked each line. — Pope
Soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve: - “What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe!” — Milton
Collocations (1)
The Strict Observance or Friars of the Strict Observance (Roman Catholic Church) , See Observance.