Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Taut

Taut , adjective

[Danish tat; akin to English tight. See Tight.]

1.
(Nautical) Tight; stretched; not slack; -- said esp. of a rope that is tightly strained.
2.
Snug; close; firm; secure.
Collocations (1)
Taut hand (Nautical) , a sailor's term for an officer who is severe in discipline.