tackle

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, in which case the full appratus is referred to as a block and tackle. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) The rigging and apparatus of a ship; also, any purchase where more than one block is used. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]