'Taut hand' definitions:

Definition of 'Taut hand'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Snug; close; firm; secure. [1913 Webster]
  • Taut hand (Naut.), a sailor's term for an officer who is severe in discipline. [1913 Webster]