noun
- Plural of hardtack; a hard, dry biscuit or cracker that was a staple food for sailors and soldiers, especially during long voyages or campaigns.
Usage: nautical; historical
Examples
- The sailors survived on hardtacks and salt pork during the long voyage.
- Hardtacks were so hard that sailors had to soak them in water or coffee before eating.
- The ship's stores included barrels of hardtacks to feed the crew for months at sea.
- Soldiers in the Civil War often complained about the quality of the hardtacks issued to them.
- Hardtacks could last for years without spoiling, making them ideal for long expeditions.