Tense
Tense , noun
[Old French tens, properly, time, French temps time, tense. See Temporal of time, and compare Thing.]
(Grammar) One of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of time.
The primary simple tenses are three: those which express time past, present, and future; but these admit of modifications, which differ in different languages.
Tense , adjective
[Latin tensus, past participle of tendere to stretch. See Tend to move, and compare Toise.]
Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a tense fiber.
The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness was upon her.