tartan

[tahr-tn]

noun

1. a woolen or worsted cloth woven with stripes of different colors and widths crossing at right angles, worn chiefly by the Scottish Highlanders, each clan having its own distinctive plaid.

2. a design of such a plaid known by the name of the clan wearing it.

3. any plaid.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling tartan.

2. made of tartan.

tartan

¹

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. 1. a design of straight lines, crossing at right angles to give a chequered appearance, esp the distinctive design or designs associated with each Scottish clan

      the Buchanan tartan

   2. ( as modifier )

      a tartan kilt

2. a woollen fabric or garment with this design

3. Highland dress

tartan

²

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. a single-masted vessel used in the Mediterranean, usually with a lateen sail

Other Word Forms

• tartaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

1490–1500; variant of tertane < Middle French tertaine ( Old French tiretaine ) linsey-woolsey

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

C16: perhaps from Old French tertaine linsey-woolsey, from Old Spanish tiritaña a fine silk fabric, from tiritar to rustle

Origin of tartan²

C17: from French, perhaps from Provençal tartana falcon, buzzard, since a ship was frequently given the name of a bird

Related Words

• jumble 
• mishmash 
• plaid