Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   2. Snug; close; firm; secure.

   {Taut hand} (Naut.), a sailor's term for an officer who is
      severe in discipline.