[tac.tics] n pl but sing or pl in constr [NL tactica, pl., fr. Gk taktika, fr. neut. pl. of taktikos of order, of tactics, fit for arranging, fr. tassein to arrange, place in battle formation] (1626) 1 a: the science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat b: the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end
2: a system or mode of procedure
3: the study of the grammatical relations within a language including morphology and syntax