Stressful past, perhaps (5)

I believe the answer is:

tense

This clue is a double definition.

'stressful' is the first definition.
(tense can mean stressful)

'past perhaps' is the second definition.
(past tense)

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Verb form indicating time" , "Nervous or tight" , "Under emotional strain" , "Present, possibly" , "not together?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app