a. [ Compar. Tawnier superl. Tawniest. ] [ F. tanné, p. p. of tanner to tan. See Tan, v. t. & n. Cf. Tenné. ] Of a dull yellowish brown color, like things tanned, or persons who are sunburnt; as, tawny Moor or Spaniard; the tawny lion. “A leopard's tawny and spotted hide.” Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]