tack

I. verb Etymology: Middle English takken, from tak Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. attach; especially 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 intransitive verb 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 • tacker noun II. noun Etymology: Middle English tak fastener, rope tying down the windward corner of a sail, from Middle French (Norman dialect) taque; akin to Middle Dutch tac sharp point Date: 1574 1. a small short sharp-pointed nail usually having a broad flat head 2. a. the direction of a ship with respect to the trim of her sails <

starboard tack

> 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; especially one sharply divergent from that previously followed 3. any of various usually temporary stitches 4. the lower forward corner of a fore-and-aft sail 5. a sticky or adhesive quality or condition III. noun Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1841 hardtack 1 IV. noun Etymology: perhaps short for tackle Date: 1924 stable gear; especially articles of harness (as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse