Tack of a flag

Tack Tack, n. [OE. tak, takke, a fastening; akin to D. tak a branch, twig, G. zacke a twig, prong, spike, Dan. takke a tack, spike; cf. also Sw. tagg prickle, point, Icel. t[=a]g a willow twig, Ir. taca a peg, nail, fastening, Gael. tacaid, Armor. & Corn. tach; perhaps akin to E. take. Cf. {Attach}, {Attack}, {Detach}, {Tag} an end, {Zigzag}.] 1. A small, short, sharp-pointed nail, usually having a broad, flat head. [1913 Webster]

2. That which is attached; a supplement; an appendix. See {Tack}, v. t., 3. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Some tacks had been made to money bills in King Charles's time. --Bp. Burnet. [1913 Webster]

3. (Naut.) (a) A rope used to hold in place the foremost lower corners of the courses when the vessel is closehauled (see Illust. of {Ship}); also, a rope employed to pull the lower corner of a studding sail to the boom. (b) The part of a sail to which the tack is usually fastened; the foremost lower corner of fore-and-aft sails, as of schooners (see Illust. of {Sail}). (c) 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; as, to take a different tack; -- often used metaphorically. [1913 Webster]

4. (Scots Law) A contract by which the use of a thing is set, or let, for hire; a lease. --Burrill. [1913 Webster]

5. Confidence; reliance. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]

{Tack of a flag} (Naut.), a line spliced into the eye at the foot of the hoist for securing the flag to the halyards.

{Tack pins} (Naut.), belaying pins; -- also called {jack pins}.

{To haul the tacks aboard} (Naut.), to set the courses.

{To hold tack}, to last or hold out. --Milton. [1913 Webster]