Definitions for the word "Tack" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A stain; a tache.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A peculiar flavor or taint; as, a musty tack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A small, short, sharp-pointed nail, usually having a broad, flat head.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
That which is attached; a supplement; an appendix. See Tack, v. t., 3.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
A rope used to hold in place the foremost lower corners of the courses when the vessel is closehauled (see Illust. of Ship); also, a rope employed to pull the lower corner of a studding sail to the boom.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
The part of a sail to which the tack is usually fastened; the foremost lower corner of fore-and-aft sails, as of schooners (see Illust. of Sail).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
The direction of a vessel in regard to the trim of her sails; as, the starboard tack, or port tack; -- the former when she is closehauled with the wind on her starboard side; hence, the run of a vessel on one tack; also, a change of direction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
A contract by which the use of a thing is set, or let, for hire; a lease.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
Confidence; reliance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To fasten or attach.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
Especially, to attach or secure in a slight or hasty manner, as by stitching or nailing; as, to tack together the sheets of a book; to tack one piece of cloth to another; to tack on a board or shingle; to tack one piece of metal to another by drops of solder.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
In parliamentary usage, to add (a supplement) to a bill; to append; -- often with on or to.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
To change the direction of (a vessel) when sailing closehauled, by putting the helm alee and shifting the tacks and sails so that she will proceed to windward nearly at right angles to her former course.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
To change the direction of a vessel by shifting the position of the helm and sails; also (as said of a vessel), to have her direction changed through the shifting of the helm and sails. See Tack, v. t., 4.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
1 small sharp broad-headed nail. 2 us drawing-pin. 3 long stitch for joining fabrics etc. Lightly or temporarily together. 4 (in sailing) direction, or temporary change of direction, esp. Taking advantage of a side wind (starboard tack). 5 course of action or policy (change tack). 6 sticky condition of varnish etc. v. 1 (often foll. By down etc.) Fasten with tacks. 2 stitch lightly together. 3 (foll. By to, on, on to) add or append. 4 a change a ship''s course by turning its head to the wind. B make a series of such tacks. [probably related to french tache clasp, nail]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
16. n.
Saddle, bridle, etc., of a horse. [from *tackle]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
17. n.
Colloq. Cheap or shoddy material; tat, kitsch. [back formation from *tacky2]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
18. slang
a taste foreign to what was intended; a barrel may get a TACK
upon it, either permanently mouldy, sour, or otherwise.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "Tack" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "Tack" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "Tack") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.