[tack] vb [ME takken, fr. tak] vt (14c) 1: attach; esp: to fasten or affix with tacks
2: to join in a slight or hasty manner 3 a: to add as a supplement b: to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill
4: to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as before ~ vi 1 a: to tack a sailing ship b of a ship: to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind c: to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks
2. a: to follow a zigzag course b: to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly -- tack.er n
[2]tack n [ME tak something that attaches; akin to MD tac sharp point] (1574) 1: a small short sharp-pointed nail usu. having a broad flat head
2. a: the direction of a ship with respect to the trim of her sails "starboard ~" b: the run of a sailing ship on one tack c: a change when close-hauled from the starboard to the port tack or vice versa d: a zigzag movement on land e: a course or method of action; esp: one sharply divergent from that previously followed
3: any of various usu. temporary stitches
4: the lower forward corner of a fore-and-aft sail
5: a sticky or adhesive quality or condition [3]tack n [origin unknown] (1841): hardtack 1 [4]tack n [perh. short for tackle] (1924): stable gear; esp: articles of harness (as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse