The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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, in which
      case the full appratus is referred to as a block and
      tackle.
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   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.
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   Note: In Chaucer, it denotes usually an arrow or arrows.
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   3. (Naut.) The rigging and apparatus of a ship; also, any
      purchase where more than one block is used.
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   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.
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