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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈɑːə /

noun

    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

  1. a woollen fabric or garment with this design
  2. the tartan
    Highland dress
“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

tartan

2

/ ˈɑːə /

noun

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

  • ˈٲٲԱ, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan1

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

Origin of tartan1

C16: perhaps from Old French tertaine linsey-woolsey, from Old Spanish پٲñ 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
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The King was in a kilt and tweed jacket while the Queen wore a blue coat with a tartan lapel and a red hat decorated with a feather.

From

A bit late to don the tartan, perhaps, but anyway.

From

A photograph taken in 1966 to mark the 18th birthday of Prince Charles shows him dressed in a kilt in Balmoral tartan in the library of the castle, and was taken by Godfrey Argent.

From

He checked out the costume department too, where he saw a steampunk outfit with a lot of holes, hooks and tartan.

From

A new photograph of King Charles in a tartan kilt at Balmoral Castle has been released to mark Burns Night.

From

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tarttartanry