1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a small sharp broad-headed nail.
2 US a drawing-pin.
3 a long stitch used in fastening fabrics etc. lightly or temporarily together.
4 a the direction in which a ship moves as determined by the position of its sails and regarded in terms of the direction of the wind (starboard tack). b a temporary change of direction in sailing to take advantage of a side wind etc.
5 a course of action or policy (try another tack).
6 Naut. a a rope for securing the corner of some sails. b the corner to which this is fastened.
7 a sticky condition of varnish etc.
8 Brit. an extraneous clause appended to a bill in Parliament.
--v.
1. tr. (often foll. by down etc.) fasten with tacks.
2 tr. stitch (pieces of cloth etc.) lightly together.
3 tr. (foll. by to, on) annex (a thing).
4 intr. (often foll. by about) a change a ship's course by turning its head to the wind (cf. WEAR(2)). b make a series of tacks.
5 intr. change one's conduct or policy etc.
6 tr. Brit. append (a clause) to a bill.
Derivatives:
tacker n.
Etymology: ME tak etc., of uncert. orig.: cf. Bibl. tache clasp, link f. OF tache 2. n. the saddle, bridle, etc., of a horse.
Etymology: shortened f. TACKLE