tartan Hear it!

tartan¹ Definition

tar·tan (tärt'n)

noun

  1. woolen cloth with a woven pattern of straight lines of different colors and widths crossing at right angles, esp. as worn in the Scottish Highlands, where each clan has its own pattern
  2. any plaid cloth like this
  3. any tartan pattern
  4. a garment made of tartan

Etymology: prob. < MFr tiretaine, a cloth of mixed fibers < OFr tiret, a kind of cloth < tire, cloth (of silk) from the East < ML tyrius, material from Tyre < L Tyrus, Tyre; sp. infl. by ME tartarin, a rich material < MFr (drap) tartarin, Tartar (cloth)

adjective

of, like, or made of tartan

tartan² Definition

tar·tan (tärt'n)

noun

a small, single-masted Mediterranean ship with a large lateen sail and a jib

Etymology: Fr tartane < It tartana, prob. ult. < Ar tarrād (colloquial form taṭrīda), small, swift kind of ship

tartan Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • wear: Anyone caught wearing tartan or playing the bagpipes could be sent to jail for six months.
  • design: The industrious Prince Albert even designed a Balmoral tartan.
  • find: Question: Please help me find the tartan for my family name of Kelly?
  • include: A. At the moment they include the purple tartans and plains kilts.
  • have: Didn't even know that I had a tartan.
  • make: By 1784 they produced 35 superfine tartans made of very fine wool, all of which can be found in his treasured sample book.

Adjective modifier

  • Scottish: Question: Does the Milligan family have its own Scottish tartan?
  • own: Question: Does the Milligan family have its own Scottish tartan?
  • different: Scott decided that in order for the King to tell the different clans apart each clan would wear a different tartan.
  • new: The dancers wore the new tartan for the first time in 2004.
  • red: The " Caledonia " is a complex red tartan dating from at least 1800.

Modifies a noun

  • plaid: Will they find the tartan plaid In my genes?
  • kilt: Chris wears an Argyll outfit with Modern Douglas tartan kilt.
  • scarf: To order your own Northumberland tartan scarf or shawl, please visit the Northumberland " Virtual " Gift Shop.
  • rug: An attractive multi colored tartan pattern picnic rug which protects you from damp grass or sand.
  • ribbon: At the end of June the opening ceremony for the conservatory saw Goon cutting the tartan ribbon watched by over a score of members.
  • skirt: If you ask me the kilt wearing singer was wearing a tartan skirt - meant for ladies.

Noun used with modifier

  • clan: Maybe you wish to have your family or clan tartan or a certain color has caught your eye.
  • district: There is no law to prevent you wearing any clan or district tartan you wish.
  • family: Q - Can I find out about my family tartan?

Browse dictionary entries near tartan

  1. tart
  2. tarsus
  3. tarsometatarsus
  4. tarso-
  5. tarsier
  6. tarsi
  7. Tarshish
  8. tarsal
  9. tars-
  10. tarry
  1. tartar
  2. tartar emetic
  3. tartar sauce
  4. tartar steak
  5. tartare
  6. Tartarean
  7. Tartarian
  8. tartaric
  9. tartaric acid
  10. tartarous