[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The state or quality of being taut.
1830. T. Hook, Maxwell, I. xi. 327. A good sized merchant ship, distinguished amongst her neighbours for cleanness of appearance, the tautness of her masts, and the squareness of her yards.
1861. E. S. Kennedy, in Peaks, Passes & Gl., Ser. II. I. 166. The taughtness of the rope unavoidably makes it difficult to retain a foothold.
1889. J. M. Duncan, Clin. Lect. Dis. Wom., xxix. (ed. 4), 233. There being only a little tautness left on one side.
1921. F. Reyher, Man, Tiger, Snake, i. 21. His little cynical smile immediately replaced the momentary tautness of his thin, closed lips.
