To change the direction of a vessel by shifting the position of the helm and sails; also (as said of a vessel), to have her direction changed through the shifting of the helm and sails
1 (Part of a sail) Lower forward corner of a sail TACK-- 2 (relating to course) The heading a boat is on or changing course to
A point of sailing with the wind on one side of the boat (noun); to change the side of the boat from which the winds blows by turning the bow through the wind (verb)
The ability of a seal gum to become "tacky" when moistened, resulting in a fast tearing bond
If a sailing boat is tacking or if the people in it tack it, it is sailing towards a particular point in a series of sideways movements rather than in a straight line. We were tacking fairly close inshore The helmsman could tack the boat singlehanded
The direction of a vessel in regard to the trim of her sails; as, the starboard tack, or port tack; the former when she is closehauled with the wind on her starboard side; hence, the run of a vessel on one tack; also, a change of direction