Tackle

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. [1913 Webster]

Note: In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows. [1913 Webster]

3. (Naut.) The rigging and apparatus of a ship; also, any purchase where more than one block is used. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]