tartan Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tar"tan noun

Etymology

F. tiretane linsey-woolsey, akin to Sp. tiritaña a sort of thin silk; cf. Sp. tiritar to shiver or shake with cold.

Definitions

1. Woolen cloth, checkered or crossbarred with narrow bands of various colors, much worn in the Highlands of Scotland; hence, any pattern of tartan; also, other material of a similar pattern.

   MacCullummore's heart will be as cold as death can make it, when it does not warm to the tartan. Sir W. Scott.

   The sight of the tartan inflamed the populace of London with hatred. Macaulay.

Tar"tan noun

Etymology

F. tartane, or Sp., Pg., or It. tartana; all perhaps of Arabic origin.

Definitions

1. (Naut.) A small coasting vessel, used in the Mediterranean, having one mast carrying large leteen sail, and a bowsprit with staysail or jib.