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tackle

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.

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.

In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows.

3. The rigging and apparatus of a ship; also, any purchase where more than one block is used. Fall and tackle. See the note under Pulley. Fishing tackle. See Fishing, ground tackle, a board, frame, or post, at the end of a ropewalk, for supporting the spindels, or whirls, for twisting the yarns.

Origin: OE. Takel, akin to LG. & D. Takel, Dan. Takkel, Sw. Tackel; perhaps akin to E. Taw, v.t, or to take.