tack

1
[ tak ]
/ tæk /

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Idioms for tack

    on the wrong tack, under a misapprehension; in error; astray: His line of questioning began on the wrong tack.

Origin of tack

1
1300–50; (noun) Middle English tak buckle, clasp, nail (later, tack); cognate with German Zacke prong, Dutch tak twig; (v.) Middle English tacken to attach, derivative of the noun; see tache, attach

OTHER WORDS FROM tack

tack·er, noun tack·less, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tack

tack tact track tract tacks tax

Definition for tack (2 of 3)

tack 2
[ tak ]
/ tæk /

noun

food; fare.

Origin of tack

2
First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Definition for tack (3 of 3)

tack 3
[ tak ]
/ tæk /

noun Scot. and North England.

a lease, especially on farmland.
a rented pasture.
a catch, haul, or take of fish.

Origin of tack

3
1250–1300; Middle English tak < Old Norse tak goods, seizure, grasp. See take

Example sentences from the Web for tack

British Dictionary definitions for tack (1 of 4)

tack 1
/ (tæk) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of tack

tackless, adjective

Word Origin for tack

C14 tak fastening, nail; related to Middle Low German tacke pointed instrument

British Dictionary definitions for tack (2 of 4)

tack 2
/ (tæk) /

noun

informal food, esp when regarded as inferior or distasteful See also hardtack

Word Origin for tack

C19: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for tack (3 of 4)

tack 3
/ (tæk) /

noun

  1. riding harness for horses, such as saddles, bridles, etc
  2. (as modifier)the tack room

Word Origin for tack

C20: shortened from tackle

British Dictionary definitions for tack (4 of 4)

tack 4
/ (tæk) /

noun Scot

a lease
an area of land held on a lease

Word Origin for tack

C15: from tak a Scots word for take

Idioms and Phrases with tack

tack

see get down to brass tacks; on the right tack; sharp as a tack.