(tak) noun
1. A small sharp–pointed nail, commonly with tapering sides and a flat head.
2. Naut. a A rope which holds down the weather clew of a course. b The weather clew of a square sail. c The lower forward corner of a fore–and–aft sail. d A rope by which the lower outer corner of a studdingsail is pulled to the end of the boom. e The direction in which a vessel sails when sailing close–hauled, considered in relation to the position of her sails: the starboard tack when the wind is coming from the right–hand side. f The distance or the course run at one time in such direction. g The act of tacking. h Any veering of a vessel to one side, as to take advantage of a side wind.
3. A change of policy; a new course of action.
4. A fastening; in needlework, a temporary stitch.
5. In Scots law, a contract; a lease; also, leased land.
6. The saddle, bridle, martingale, etc., used in riding horseback.
—v.t.
1. To fasten or attach with tacks.
2. To secure temporarily, as with tacks or long stitches.
3. To attach as supplementary; append.
4. Naut. a To bring (a vessel) momentarily into the wind so as to go on the opposite tack. b To navigate (a vessel) to windward by making a series of tacks.
—v.i.
5. Naut. a To tack a vessel. b To go on the opposite tack, or sail to windward by a series of tacks: said of vessels.
6. To change one's course of action; veer. [<AF taque, OF tache a nail <Gmc. Doublet of TACHE.]
—tack′er noun

(tak) noun
Food in general: usually used contemptuously, and often in compounds: hardtack. [Origin uncertain]