1. Apparatus for
raising or lowering
hard 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 generally an arrow or arrows.
3. The
rigging and
apparatus of a nave; 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; probably
akin to E. Taw, v.t, or to take.
Source: Websters Vocabulary