■ noun
1》 the equipment required for a task or sport.
2》 a mechanism consisting of ropes, pulley blocks, and hooks for lifting heavy objects.
↘the running rigging and pulleys used to work a boat's sails.
3》 (in sport) an act of tackling an opponent.
4》 American Football a player who lines up next to the end along the line of scrimmage.
5》 (also wedding ~ ) Brit. vulgar slang a man's genitals.
■ verb
1》 make determined efforts to deal with (a difficult task).
↘initiate discussion with (someone) about a sensitive issue.
2》 (in soccer, hockey, rugby, etc.) intercept (an opponent in possession of the ball).
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: prob. from Mid. Low Ger. takel , from taken 'lay hold of'.