Search results for 'tack':

tack¹ noun 1 a short nail with a sharp point and a broad flat head. 2 N Amer a drawing-pin. 3 a long loose temporary stitch used especially to hold material together while it is being sewn properly. 4 naut the direction of a sailing ship which is sailing into the wind at an angle, stated in terms of the side of the sail that the wind is blowing against • on the starboard tack. 5 naut a sailing ship's zigzag course formed by sailing with first one side of the sail to the wind and then the other. 6 a direction, course of action or policy • to try a different tack. 7 stickiness. verb (tacked, tacking) 1 (sometimes tack something down or on) to fasten or attach it with tacks. 2 to sew with long loose temporary stitches. 3 (also tack something on) to attach or add it as a supplement. 4 intrans, naut said of a sailing ship or its crew: to sail into the wind at an angle with first one side of the sail to the wind and then the other, so as to sail in a zigzag course and be able to progress forwards. 5 naut to change the tack of (a ship) to the opposite one. 6 intrans to change one's direction, course of action or policy abruptly.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c as tak a fastening.

tack² noun riding harness, saddle and bridle, etc for a horse.
ETYMOLOGY: 1930s: shortened from tackle.