Taut or rigid (5)

I believe the answer is:

tense

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'taut' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)

'rigid' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Attribute of verbs signalling time" , "Maybe past" , "Verb form; uptight" , "not together?" , "Nerve-racking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and the Evening Standard.

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