Tar"tan (?), n. [F. tiretane linsey- woolsey, akin to Sp. tiritaña a sort of thin silk; cf. Sp. tiritar to shiver or shake with cold.] Woolen cloth, checkered or crossbarred with narrow bands of various colors, much worn in the Highlands of Scotland; hence, any pattern of tartan; also, other material of a similar pattern.

MacCullummore's heart will be as cold as death can make it, when it does not warm to the tartan.

The sight of the tartan inflamed the populace of London with hatred.

Tar"tan, n. [F. tartane, or Sp., Pg., or It. tartana; all perhaps of Arabic origin.] (Naut.) A small coasting vessel, used in the Mediterranean, having one mast carrying large leteen sail, and a bowsprit with staysail or jib.

Tar"tan (?), n. [F. tiretane linsey- woolsey, akin to Sp. tiritaña a sort of thin silk; cf. Sp. tiritar to shiver or shake with cold.] Woolen cloth, checkered or crossbarred with narrow bands of various colors, much worn in the Highlands of Scotland; hence, any pattern of tartan; also, other material of a similar pattern.

MacCullummore's heart will be as cold as death can make it, when it does not warm to the tartan.

The sight of the tartan inflamed the populace of London with hatred.

Tar"tan, n. [F. tartane, or Sp., Pg., or It. tartana; all perhaps of Arabic origin.] (Naut.) A small coasting vessel, used in the Mediterranean, having one mast carrying large leteen sail, and a bowsprit with staysail or jib.

• A specific woven pattern that often signifies a particular Scottish clan in the modern era.
  
• A woven woollen cloth with a tartan pattern.
  
• An individual or a group wearing a tartan.
  
• A member of Protestant gangs in Northern Ireland.
  
• Trade name of a synthetic resin.
  
• A type of one-masted vessel seen in the Mediterranean (also spelled tartane, tartana).
  
• A commander-in-chief of ancient Assyria.
  
• Having a pattern like a tartan.
  
• Used figuratively for anything Scottish.
  
• To clothe in, or put on, a tartan.