The Collaborative International Dictionary
Taut hand
Taut \Taut\, a. [Dan. t[ae]t; akin to E. tight. See Tight.]
(Naut.) Tight; stretched; not slack; -- said esp. of a rope that is tightly strained.
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Snug; close; firm; secure.
Taut hand (Naut.), a sailor's term for an officer who is severe in discipline.
Wiktionary
taut hand
n. (context nautical dated English) An officer who is severe in discipline.
Usage examples of "taut hand".
I am told that he is a bit of a tartar at sea, but better a taut hand than a slack one, any day!
Terzian, reacting quickly, anticipating trouble, reached for Cal's taut hand.