n. [ OF. tens, properly, time, F. temps time, tense. See Temporal of time, and cf. Thing. ] (Gram.) One of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of time. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ The primary simple tenses are three: those which express time past, present, and future; but these admit of modifications, which differ in different languages. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. tensus, p. p. of tendere to stretch. See Tend to move, and cf. Toise. ] Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax;
The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness was upon her. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]
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