subs. (common).—Generic for food: specifically (1) = ‘bad food’ or ‘bad malt liquor’ (HALLIWELL). Hence (2), in combination: e.g., HARD-TACK = coarse fare or (army and navy) biscuit as distinguished from bread; SOFT-TACK = (a) good fare, and (b) bread. Also TACKLE. At Sherborne School TACK = a feast in one’s study.
1887. Fisheries of U.S., v. ii. 228. For supper in the cabin: salt beef and pork, warm SOFT TACK, butter, sugar, tea, etc.
1754. FOOTE, The Knights, ii. She falls in love with … her father’s chaplain;… I … slips on dominie’s robes … passed myself on her for him, and we were TACKED TOGETHER.
