tack

tack [tak]

n.

[ME takke < MDu tacke, twig, point, akin to Ger zacke < ? IE base * dek-, to tear > TAIL¹]

1. a short nail or pin, with a narrow shaft that is not tapered and a relatively large, flat head

2.

a) the act of fastening, esp. in a slight or temporary way

b) Sewing a stitch for marking darts, etc. from a pattern, clipped and later removed: in full tailor's tack

c) stickiness; adhesiveness

3. a zigzag course, or movement in such a course

4. a course of action or policy, esp. one differing from another or a preceding course

5. [< ?] food; foodstuff [hardtack]

6. Naut.

a) a rope for securing the forward lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail

b) this corner

c) the direction in which a vessel is moving in relation to the position of the sails

d) a change of direction in which the sail or sails shift from one side of the vessel to the other

e) a course against the wind

f) any of a series of zigzag movements in such a course

7. equipment for riding a horse, as saddles, bridles, etc.; saddlery

vt.

1. to fasten or attach with tacks

2. to attach temporarily, as by sewing with long stitches

3. to attach as a supplement; add [to tack an amendment onto a bill]

4. Horsemanship to put a saddle, bridle, etc. on (a horse): often with up

5. Naut.

a) to change the course of (a vessel) by turning its bow into and across the wind: opposed to WEAR²

b) to maneuver (a vessel) against the wind by a series of tacks

vi.

1. Naut.

a) to tack a sailing vessel

b) to change its course by being tacked, or sail against the wind by a series of tacks: said of a sailing vessel

2. to go in a zigzag course

3. to change suddenly one's policy or course of action

tacker

n.