taut hand

noun — 2 senses

taut hand

noun

1

Nautical, Transport Dated An officer who is severe in discipline.

"[…]I'm no Tartar nor a slavedriver. But I am a taut hand, and a taut ship where every man jack works clearly for me, our ship, his mates, and our Fleet is a happy ship.[…]"1993, Dewey Lambdin, The Gun Ketch:

2

Nautical, Transport Dated strict discipline.

"Twas the first time I did that part of the duty in command, and I felt, in the circumstances, I was in for carrying it out with a taut hand."1879, George Cupples, The Green Hand: Adventures of a Naval Lieutenant:

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