The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stringent \Strin"gent\ (str[i^]n"jent), a. [L. stringens,
   -entis, p. pr. of stringere to draw or bind tight. See
   Strain.]
   Binding strongly; making strict requirements; restrictive;
   rigid; severe; as, stringent rules.
   [1913 Webster]

         They must be subject to a sharper penal code, and to a
         more stringent code of procedure.        --Macaulay.
   [1913 Webster] -- Strin"gent*ly, adv. -- Strin"gent*ness,
   n.
   [1913 Webster]