tacks

The Teasel was crashing to and fro, beating up in short tacks nearer and nearer to all those boats, and the road beyond them, where motor-buses were driving through the rain.

Coot Club Ransome, Arthur 1934

"Well, naturally you'll work it in short tacks and hug the English side pretty close."

The White Wolf and Other Fireside Tales Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch 1903

These curls must have been fastened on with glue or tin tacks, one would think, for they never moved, however much she laughed or shook her head.

What Katy Did: A Story 1887

Thus, in short tacks, for the thread is never very long, does the Spiderling go about, seeing the country, until she comes to a place that suits her.

The Life of the Spider Jean-Henri Fabre 1869

_Enterprise_ made all sail, and worked, in short tacks, outside the reef.

The Pirate Frederick Marryat 1820

They sped across and across the channel towards the stone perch in short tacks.

Priscilla's Spies George A. Birmingham 1907

Patty, sucking an injured thumb, were evidently not made for driving in tacks.

When Patty Went to College 1903

It may end up working as well as the rest of his campaign tacks - in other words, it may backfire.

Articles on National Review Online Robert Costa 2010

It may end up working as well as the rest of his campaign tacks - in other words, it may backfire.

Articles on National Review Online Robert Costa 2010

I applaud you for sticking with substance and not taking the "tacks" bait.

The Bible's Buried Secrets James F. McGrath 2008