Severe in tone (5)
I believe the answer is:
stern
(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "enforcing submission" , "Severe in the rear of the ship?" , "Forbidding, austere" , "Severe -- back of boat" , "Strict - forbidding" .)
I believe the answer is:
stern
(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "enforcing submission" , "Severe in the rear of the ship?" , "Forbidding, austere" , "Severe -- back of boat" , "Strict - forbidding" .)