Strĭct, a.

a. [compar. STRICTER; superl. STRICTEST.] [Lat. strictus, p. p. of stringere, to draw or bind tight, to strain; Fr. strict, Sp. estricto, It. stretto. Cf. STRAIT and STRAIN.]

1. Strained; drawn close; tight; as, a strict embrace; a strict ligature.
2. Tense; not relaxed; as, a strict or lax fiber.
3. Exact; accurate; rigorously nice; as, to keep strict watch.

It shall be still in strictest measure. Milton.

4. Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous; as, very strict in observing the Sabbath. “Through the strict sentries.” Milton.
5. Rigidly interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted; as, to understand words in a strict sense.
6. (Bot.) Very straight or close, or very upright.

Syn.—Exact; accurate; nice; close; rigorous; severe.—STRICT, SEVERE. Strict points to a person or thing, as one that binds closely or keeps under control; as, strict in discipline; strict rules, &c. Severe denotes a stern adherence to principles or rules, which shrinks not from the infliction of pain, and in some cases even finds pleasure in that infliction. Strict, therefore, is ordinarily taken in a good sense; severe is commonly used in a bad one, except where the circumstances of the case imperatively demand the exercise of rigor. And rules as strict his labored works confine, As if the Stagirite o’erlooked each line. Pope. Soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve: “What words have passed thy lips, Adam, severe!” Milton.