Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tackle \Tac"kle\ (?; sometimes improperly pronounced ?,
   especially by seamen), n. [OE. takel, akin to LG. & D. takel,
   Dan. takkel, Sw. tackel; perhaps akin to E. taw, v.t., or to
   take.]
   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.'' --Hudibras.

   Note: In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows.

   3. (Naut.) 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 under {Fishing}, a.

   {Ground tackle} (Naut.), anchors, cables, etc.

   {Gun tackle}, the apparatus or appliances for hauling cannon
      in or out.

   {Tackle fall}, the rope, or rather the end of the rope, of a
      tackle, to which the power is applied.

   {Tack tackle} (Naut.), a small tackle to pull down the tacks
      of the principal sails.

   {Tackle board}, {Tackle post} (Ropemaking), a board, frame,
      or post, at the end of a ropewalk, for supporting the
      spindels, or whirls, for twisting the yarns.