tack
verb
\ ˈtak
\
\
tacked;
tacking;
tacks
Definition of tack
(Entry 1 of 4)
2
: to join or add in a slight or hasty manner
—usually used with on or onto … the upbeat ending, tacked on to a book that cries out for a tragic one.— Julian Symons
3a
: to add as a supplement or something extra
—usually used with on or onto tacked fees onto the priceThe Marlins tacked on five runs in the bottom of the eighth …— Buster Olney
b
: to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill
provisions tacked to an appropriation bill
4
: to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as before
1a
: to tack a sailing ship
We tacked repeatedly as we sailed toward the harbor.
b
of a ship
: to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind
a ship that tacks easily
c
: to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks
Boredom was the chief enemy as the ships tacked to and fro.— Nigel Calder
2a
: to follow a zigzag course
tacked through the crowd
b
: to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly
With the coming of Ronald Reagan to power, Nixon tacked hard right—an old instinct.— Sidney Blumenthal