TENSE (2)

Tense, a. [[L. tensus, p. p. of tendere to stretch. See Tend to move, and cf. Toise.]] Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a tense fiber. The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness was upon her. Goldsmith. — Tense″ly, adv. — Tense″ness, n.