n. & v.
--n.
1. equipment for a task or sport (fishing-tackle).
2 a mechanism, esp. of ropes, pulley-blocks, hooks, etc., for lifting weights, managing sails, etc. (block and tackle).
3 a windlass with its ropes and hooks.
4 an act of tackling in football etc.
5 Amer. Football a the position next to the end of the forward line. b the player in this position.
--v.tr.
1. try to deal with (a problem or difficulty).
2 grapple with or try to overcome (an opponent).
3 enter into discussion with.
4 obstruct, intercept, or seize and stop (a player running with the ball).
5 secure by means of tackle.
Phrases and idioms:
tackle-block a pulley over which a rope runs. tackle-fall a rope for applying force to the blocks of a tackle.
Derivatives:
tackler n. tackling n.
Etymology: ME, prob. f. MLG takel f. taken lay hold of