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. the tartan
   the tartan Highland dress

tartan

²

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈtartaned, 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

Example Sentences

In her tartan bouclé jacket, a Chanel bag slung over her shoulder, she’s anything but regular folk—yet she acts surprised when the locals recognize her patented charm routine.

From Time

They stood at attention in their tartan kilts, white leggings and bearskin hats as a Marine band struck up “Hail to the Chief.”

From The Daily Beast

I can barely imagine what tartan might have done to my psyche.

From The Daily Beast

But the tartan insists that its tone shall be invariable, and sharply defined by contrasts of dark and light.

From Project Gutenberg

On a bundle of clothing tied in a tartan kerchief for a pillow, he lay very still and breathing heavily.

From Project Gutenberg

One was a British officer, in the scarlet jacket and tartan trews of a Highland regiment.

From Project Gutenberg

The fore-part of his head is white: his back, tail, and wings green; and his breast and belly tartan.

From Project Gutenberg

But—what on earth—a green tartan frock, and a toque with a white feather—she herself!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• jumble
• mishmash
• plaid