Tack

TACK, v.t. [Gr. to set,place, ordain.]
1. To fasten; to attach. In the solemn or grave style, this word now appears ludicrous; as, to get a commendam tacked to their sees.
--And tack the center to the sphere.
2. To unite by stitching together; as, to tack together the sheets of a book; to tack one piece of cloth to another. [In the familiar style, this word is in good use.]
3. To fasten slightly by nails; as, to tack on a board or shingle.
TACK
TACHE, n. A spot. [Not used.]
TACK, n. A small nail.
1. A rope used to confine the foremost lower corners of the courses and stay-sails, when the wind crosses the ship's course obliquely; also, a rope employed to pull the lower corner of a studding sail to the boom. Hence,
2. The part of a sail to which the tack is usually fastened; the foremost lower corner of the courses. Hence,
3. The course of a ship in regard to the position of her sails; as the starboard tack, or larboard tack; the former when she is close-hauled with the wind on her starboard, the latter when close hauled with the wind on her larboard.
To hold tack, to last or hold out.
Tack of a flag, a line spliced into the eye at the bottom of the tabling, for securing the flag to the halliards.
TACK, v.i. To change the course of a ship by shifting the tacks and position of the sails from one side to the other.
TACK, n. In rural economy, a shelf on which cheese is dried. [Local.]
Tack of land, the term of a lease. [Local.]

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