Dictionary.com
definitions

Black and Tan

noun

Usually Black and Tans. an armed force of about 6000 soldiers sent by the British government to Ireland in June, 1920, to suppress revolutionary activity: so called from the colors of their uniform.
a member of this force.
(lowercase) a drink made of equal parts of ale and stout or porter.
(lowercase) a black-and-tan dog.

RELATED CONTENT

Quotes: Past, Present, and Future of Black HistoryRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
What’s the difference between green and black tea? And who is the “Earl” in “Earl Grey?” Whether you start your morning with coffee or tea — it’s part of who you are, but how much do you know about either caffeinated beverage? If you want to learn the mysterious origin of coffee’s name and more, click here. This is about the drink that comes from leaves, not beans. “Tea” comes from the Chinese d’a, and transformed into tea or ch’a depending on …
READ MORE

Origin of Black and Tan

1880–85 for def 4
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for black and tans

Black and Tans

pl n

the Black and Tans a specially recruited armed auxiliary police force sent to Ireland in 1921 by the British Government to combat Sinn Féin

Word Origin for Black and Tans

name suggested by the colour of their uniforms and the Black and Tans hunt in Munster

black and tan

noun

a mixture of stout or porter and ale
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012