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. [ 1913 Webster ]
MacCullummore's heart will be as cold as death can make it, when it does not warm to the tartan. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]
The sight of the tartan inflamed the populace of London with hatred. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]