from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tackle \Tac"kle\ (?; sometimes improperly pronounced ?,
especially by seamen), n. [OE. takel, akin to LG. & D. takel,
Dan. takkel, Sw. tackel; perhaps akin to E. taw, v. t., or to
take.]
1. Apparatus for raising or lowering heavy weights,
consisting of a rope and pulley blocks; sometimes, the
rope and attachments, as distinct from the block, in which
case the full appratus is referred to as a {block and
tackle}.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any instruments of action; an apparatus by which an object
is moved or operated; gear; as, fishing tackle, hunting
tackle; formerly, specifically, weapons. "She to her
tackle fell." --Hudibras.
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Note: In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows.
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3. (Naut.) The rigging and apparatus of a ship; also, any
purchase where more than one block is used.
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{Fall and tackle}. See the Note under {Pulley}.
{Fishing tackle}. See under {Fishing}, a.
{Ground tackle} (Naut.), anchors, cables, etc.
{Gun tackle}, the apparatus or appliances for hauling cannon
in or out.
{Tackle fall}, the rope, or rather the end of the rope, of a
tackle, to which the power is applied.
{Tack tackle} (Naut.), a small tackle to pull down the tacks
of the principal sails.
{Tackle board}, {Tackle post} (Ropemaking), a board, frame,
or post, at the end of a ropewalk, for supporting the
spindels, or whirls, for twisting the yarns.
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