\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.