tack

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A way of dealing with a problem; an approach or course of action.

   When the usual methods failed, they tried a different tack.

2. 2
   noun

   A short nail with a flat head.

   He used a few tacks to pin the poster to the wall.

3. 3
   verb

   To fasten something with tacks.

   She tacked the notice to the board.

4. 4
   verb

   To change the direction of a sailing boat by turning into the wind.

   The sailors had to tack to reach the harbor.

From Middle English tak, take (“fee, tax (on livestock)”), from Old Norse tak, taka (“a taking, seizure; revenue”), from Old Norse taka (“to take”). Cognate with Scots tack.

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