[f. TACK sb.1 4 b + -Y.] Slightly sticky or adhesive: said of gum, glue, or varnish nearly dry.
1788. G. Smith, in Lond. Mag., 624. The moistened gum … must not be waterish but something tacky or clammy.
1822. Imison, Sc. & Art, II. 244. If left in the damp, it remains tacky … a long time.
1897. Complete Cyclist (Isthmian Libr.), 188. Sufficient time must be given to allow the solution to become dry, or, as it is technically known, ‘tacky.’
